November 14, 2016 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 

STRIVE  •  COMMIT  •  SUCCEED  -  District Mission Statement

Schuyler Community Schools in partnership with parents, students, and the community is committed to educate students to become skilled, knowledgeable and responsible citizens in a global society - District Vision Statement

Notice of this meeting was given in advance according to State Law 84-1411, by giving notice of the meeting to the public.  Notice of this meeting was also given in advance to all members of the Board of Education

Rationale:  This meeting has been preceded by advance notice and is hereby declared to be in open session.  A copy of the Open Meetings Act is posted in the hallway outside the Media Center.

Rationale:  Discuss, Consider and Take Action on the consent agenda

Rationale:  This committee is responsible for reviewing curriculum recommendations, textbook selection, requisitions/inventory, and instructional programs.

Rationale: 

           This year the choirs and band would like to take a trip to Chicago, IL. The trip would be a three-day and two-night trip happening May 24th-26th, 2017. The trip would highlight some of the attractions such as a
Broadway Show- Aladdin, Lincoln Park Zoo, Magnificent Mile (shopping), Millennium Park, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium and the Skydeck Chicago. The students will also get the experience of working with world class music directors by working with the students on their pieces of music at a local conservatory of music. The following prices are (per person/quad occupancy) based on the number of
students going on the trip.
46 students= $449.00                   36 students= $499.00               26 students= $575.00
          There will be a non-refundable deposit due on December 1st of $50.00.  The deposit is a commitment stating that your student WILL go on the trip. There will be fundraising opportunities for your student to raise
money to help with the cost of the trip! Over Thanksgiving break, we will be selling Music Department Discount Cards for $10, which offer different discounts at various businesses around Schuyler and Columbus.
The Discount Cards are a great fundraiser because the $10 dollars go straight to the student’s fund. Early next year, there will also be a fundraiser of selling Godfather’s Pizza where the students get to make the
pizzas and then will deliver them the same day. Both fundraisers aid your student in earning money toward the trip, so please encourage your student to do some fundraising! 

          We are looking forward to continuing this tradition that encourages camaraderie and pride in our SCHS music department. We hope your student will want to be a part of the fun! If you have any questions you can reach us at: (402) 352-2421 or by email michaila.gansebom@schuylercommunityschools.org or chrissi.bywater@schuylercommunityschools.org

Thank you, Michaila Gansebom and Chrissi Bywater

Rationale:  This committee is responsible for annual review of board policies, handbooks, and crisis/safety plans.  This committee is also responsible for the support and development of support programs(nursing, food service) in the district.

Rationale:  I am attaching the 3 policies presented in October for first reading.  The 3 policies below presented for are for final reading, along with a redlined version highlighting the changes, and an administrative regulation.
 
Policy 201.02 is nearly the same as the version sent out on August 4 of this year, except I should have included the words “within 45 days” as shown on the first line of paragraph 3.  This time limitation remains in statutes but has been moved to statute 32-574.
 
Policy 509.03 has been completely rewritten from the previous version (which was only 2 sentences long) to provide more direction and situations to consider since spontaneous memorials have become more common in recent years.  You may wish to make significant modifications to 509.03 to fit the needs of your local district.
 
Policy 804.01 has been greatly revised to reflect the duties of the district in dealing with computer security breaches.  I’ve attached a redlined version to show the changes from the original, and have created administrative regulation 804.01R1 to provide more details about the process of notification of a security breach.  This material should be review with your computer systems administrator prior to adoption by the board.  Administrative regulations may be reviewed by the board for their information, but typically do not need board approval since they are delegated to administrators for creation and implementation.

Rationale:  This committee is responsible for budget, finance, and contract negotiations with administration, certificated staff, and support staff.

Rationale: 

1.  Maria Arroyo:  Homestead Center Receptionist

2.  Paloma Arciva:  Middle school para-educator

3.  Lourdes Pena:  Middle school para-educator

Rationale:  The finance committee met with Pekny and Associates to discuss the 2015-16 AFR and Audit Report.  In the past, Pekny's attended the meeting and went through the documents at that time.  This year members of the finance committee met at Pekny and Associates to review both documents.  If other members of the board would like to have a more formal review, we will arrange a time to meet and review this information.  The two reports were reviewed and submitted by November 1st and 5th as required by law.  The board should go on record as accepting the reports as filed.  See the attached electronic copy of the AFR, the audit report, and the ADA/ADM agreed upon procedures.

Rationale: 

Attached is the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Schuyler Lumber Company, Inc. to build another house in the Kehrli Second Subdivision, Schuyler, NE.  The MOU has been updated and signed by Brian Schmidt.  See attached MOU.

Rationale:  The board negotiations committee met on October 24th to begin the negotiations process on the 2017-18 Certificated Staff Master Contract.  The Educators Healthcare Alliance released premium rates November 1st which reflected a 7.9% increase.  The SEA and board negotiations team met a second time on Wednesday, November 9th and reached a tentative agreement.  See attached information.  I will attach the final Master agreement upon the final vote from the SEA. 

Rationale:  See attached information.

Rationale: 

Preschool and 3-5 Principal's Report:  Mr. Comley

PT Conferences went very well with great attendance like always

Have seen some excellent lessons being taught during observations. So proud of the staff at SES

Traffic is running smooth

Kindergarten- 120                            1st Grade - 132                   2nd Grade-161

3rd Grade - 132                               4th Grade - 121                   5th Grade - 130

Total Enrollment - 796                      Preschool- 102

K-2 Principal's Report:  Mr. Kovar

At the time of this meeting, I will have completed the first round of formal observations for probationary teachers, as well as a handful of tenured teachers as well. We are also continuing to work with ESU 7 to improve and focus on writing K-5. I am seeing so many great things happening in our classrooms, and am proud of the work that we are doing to help our students gain achievement. It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is almost here!

Rural School Principal's Report:  Mr. Reinsch

Fishers

The Puffin fund raiser generated over $4,000 to the activity fund to be used for field trips and special event supplies and decorating.  (Xmas, Graduation)

Red Ribbon Week Daily Activities

United We Stand/ Puppets, Pals and PJs/ Good Character-Good Choices/ Red-y To Live a Drug Free Life/ Be a Buddy - Not a Bully

The Veteran's Day Program will be on Friday, November 11 at 12:30 PM

The Holiday Program is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 15 at 2:00 and 7:00 PM

Richland

Thanks to the Lions Club for their continued support of the puppet show Kids on the Block, helping to recognize bullying behaviors.

The Colfax Co. Extension Office recently visited the 6-8 classroom to discuss basic principles of engineering, programming and robotics.

Veteran's Day Program  Friday, November 11 at 10:45 am

The Holiday Program is scheduled for Tuesday, December 20 at 2:00 and 7:00 PM

SMS Assistant Principal's Report:  Mr. Zavidil

Supervision of instruction-  Formal observations are going to start this month with new staff

I have started teaching my Project based learning class at the middle school.  It has been fun working directly with students and giving them a chance to learn by doing!  The class is a great opportunity for me to practice the strategies that I am asking our teachers to practice.

Going Forward

We are working with Warrior academy to continue with sports related clubs.  Coordinating the use of our athletic facilities is our primary focus.

SMS Principal's Report:  Mrs. Burton

SMS Enrollment Report as of 9/9/16

6th-142 students               7th-123 students                  8th-132 students

Total Students-397

Discovery Education has continued working with the SMS staff within the individual coaching of eight teachers, as well as administrative coaching for digital leadership.  CTAC is also continuing a third year of partnership care of the School Improvement Grant.  They will be here the 10th and 11th to continue supporting our staff in our increased ability to engage students with interesting strategies and relevant content.

I have been collaborating with our SCS Directors on professional development opportunities and growth for each of the SMS staff members.  Mr. Gibbons and Mrs. Vrba have been a great resource to assisting us in our growth!

Demoine Adams will be at SMS on Wednesday, November 16th at 8:15 a.m.  Demoine is an inspirational speaker and former Husker that is being brought to our students care of Schuyler TeamMates.  We would encourage our Board of Education and patrons to be a part of the event with us!

I would also like to thank the Schuyler Senior Center for welcoming members of our administration so warmly on October 17th.  It was an honor sharing the many successes and further opportunities with all that were present!

High School Assistant Principal:  Mr. Kasik

• I continue to have discussions about good choices with some of our students.  We have started “Saturday School” for those that need retraining sessions.   The number of students attending these sessions is currently decreasing.
• I continue to work with Ms. Pavel and Mrs. Dimas on student attendance issues.
• I also have been working with law enforcement, probation and CHI with random drug testing.  On November 8^th we had our third session of drug testing.
• On November 9^th our local law enforcement brought in a drug dog to check our building and parting lots.  No items were detected.
• We continue to train our staff in Discovery Ed. Training within our building.
• Formal Staff Evaluations will be starting soon.

SCHS Principal's Report:  Mr. Grammer

1)    Enrollment: November 3, 2016: 

       Seniors—            117               Juniors—          130      

       Sophomores—    145              Freshmen—       148                     

       Total = 540

2)  Sertoma:  I had the great pleasure of taking our Student Athletes of the Month, on Tuesday, November 8^th.  Our student athletes for November are:  Caleb Novak, Football;  Kendra Marshall, Softball; Haylee Korth, volleyball; and Cristobal Garcia,  Cross Country.  Congratulations to all of these students for their hard work and commitment.

3)  Hispanic/ Latino Summit:  Monday, October 24^th, the high school had middle school took 30 students to the 2016 Hispanic/Latino Summit held in Kearny.  There were 20 high school students and 10 middle students.  The conference centered on how to take advantage of going to college, whether if was a two year, four year, or vocational/tech school.  We had great keynote speakers which the students really liked.  To top off the day, we had to send in five students for the ‘Gallery of Stars’ to be recognized as a top student in our school.  From this group, a panel from the summit group awarded four scholarships of $250.00 and two for $500.00.  We were excited when one of our students was selected to receive one of the $500.00 scholarships.  Senior Jessica Valora was selected for the award.  Congratulations to Jessica for her hard work and proudly representing SCHS.  Thank you to Mr. Gutierrez for driving the bus and sponsoring the middle school, along with Brian Irsik.  The high school sponsors were myself, Amy Johnson, and Clarissa Dunn.

4) Observations:  Mr. Kasik and I  have started our first semester classroom observaions.  We will complete the observations by the end of December.  It always makes me feel good when we see great instruction going on in our classrooms.  Our teachers are teaching great lessons and using instructional strategies that will make our students successful and improving our school.

5) Achievement Center/Project Success:  The Achievement Center has been a great addition to our school and programs for improvement.  Since September 1^st until the end of October the Center worked with students on 868 assignments.  Out of 44 days of school, the Center assisted 21.7 students per day, 25 assignments per day, and 5.3 students per hour.  The best area of improvement was our Failure List last year averaged over 150 students per week, this year our average has been 89.2 per week.  The Center helps our students to complete work which improves our failures and also ensures more students stay eligible to participate in activities and athletics.  Project Success was set up for students who struggle in a regular school/class environment.  In September we had four students in Project Success, in October we had 15 and in November we had 33 students.  These students were not passing or having success in their classes.  As of this week out of the 33 students in Project Success, only five are failing at this time.  Thank you to those teachers in Project Success who work everyday for our students who struggle on a daily basis.

6)  Discovery Education:  We ended the month of September with a Discovery Ed Launch Event.  The month of October was the beginning of the training for our Leadership Team,  Project Based training for our Project Success teacher, and coaching for our two digital corp groups from our faculty.  We also had a full staff training on Discovery Ed and all the resources that are available through Discovery Ed.  Staff are working hard to work with Discovery Ed.   Our science teachers also had training on the science techbooks and the math department will have their training on the new math techbooks in February.  So, far the trainings have been informative and productive.

7) Assembly/Speaker:  On Tuesday, October 25^th we were privileged to  welcome Kayleen McCabe, from Denver, and a television personality on The Do It Yourself Network (DIY) to SCHS.  She works a lot with Discovery Ed and she heard from one of our DE trainers about SCHS and she wanted to come and speak to our students about looking at vocational and technology professions.  She toured a building, ate lunch with our teachers and students in Project Success, visited our site were we are building a house, and gave an assembly to our students on how she got involved and succeeded in the construction field and to having her own television show.  She had nothing but praise on our school and vocational opportunities we offer our students.  She also set a date in the spring to come back to see the finished house by our construction classes.  Great assembly for our students.

Rationale: 

K-6 Youth Activities Director:  Mr. Kovar

I am proud to say that flag football is up and running in the new Rec Center. We have around 50 kids signed up, with two teams each in a 5th & 6th grade division and a 3rd & 4th grade division. The kids are really learning a lot, and are having a blast. Special thanks to our coaches Bill Comley, Jesse Zavidil, and Jason Wehner, and also Robin Burton who has filled in as a coach, and referee! I look forward to adding programs like volleyball and basketball as the project finishes.

SMS Activities Director's Report:  Mr. Zavidil

Middle School wrestling started practicing Thursday October 20^th they have 53 members and we have 3 home events this year.  We have a large triangular approaching on Thursday the 10^th and our Home invitational is scheduled for December 3^rd on Saturday.

Middle School Girls Basketball started practicing at the Elementary School on Monday October 24^th.  They are eagerly awaiting the completion of our new gym floor and that facility is starting to look better and better.  They start competition on Monday the 7^th Vs. Aquinas at the HS.

Field-house is starting to take shape and the office has been set up.  The equipment is coming in bit by bit and Mr. Kovar has already started a flag football league.  I took the opportunity to coach one of the 5^th and 6^th grade teams and they are learning a lot about the sport

NSIAAA Conference  Jim Kasik attended the NSIAAA conference in Kearney, which gives athletic Directors a chance to collaborate with other athletic directors in the state about best practices for coordinating departments.  There is also a multitude of opportunities for AD’s to learn from presenters on a variety of different issues.

NSAA district II meetings.  Jim and I are planning to attend the NSAA legislative meetings on November 9^th to voice our opinions on a variety of different items.  This is Schuyler’s opportunity to weigh-in on the current issues for the NSAA.

High School Athletic/Activity Director:  Mr. Kasik

• Fall seasons have completed, I will be scheduling end of season meetings with coaches.
• We had our Fall Sports Banquet on Monday Nov. 7^th at 6:00 pm, it went well.
• We are gearing up for winter sports.  On Tuesday, Nov. 15^th we will have our winter parent/sports meetings at 7:00 pm.
• On Nov. 16^th I have our second meeting for our winter Holiday BB Tournament in Columbus.
• Our One-Act group continues to put in long hours in preparing for their upcoming contests.
• Mr. Zavadil and I continue to work together on coordinating facilities and events.
• Mr. Zavadil and I attended the NSIAAA (AD) convention this past weekend in Kearney.  A number of topics of interest were discussed.
• I also attended the District II NSAA meeting on Nov. 9^th to cast our school’s vote on proposals.
• Mr. Zavadil and I will be taking over 20 student leaders to a Sportsmanship/Leadership summit at Midland University on Nov. 17^th, this event is sponsored by the Ne. Coaches Association and the NSAA.
• Winter Sports seasons practices kick off on November 14^th.  We are expecting approximately 27 girls BB, 30 BB and around 40 for WR.

Special Education Director Report:  Mrs. Vrba

An exciting new venture with the ESU 7 Autism Team:

Presenters will include myself, Bernice Maxwell, and Sonja Chatfield-Peetz.  We are SO excited for you and your staff Darli.  

Training Description: In order to address the needs of students with autism who present with limited or absent tact (labeling) and mand (requesting) repertoires, this training will cover conceptual skills and protocols necessary to establish basic skills sets for such students. Methods to teach the value of the earliest social interactions will be reviewed. Content will include specific teaching strategies relevant to an initial mand repertoire, initial imitation skills, basic listener responding skills, and early tact responses. A significant focus will be on the process of establishing early instructional control through shaping and pairing instruction with improving conditions for the student. Additionally, assessment and instructional practices related to the use of an object sort process for providing intensive teaching (discrete trial instruction) will be directly taught.

Objectives: Participants will:

Acquire methods of interaction that facilitate students approaching and staying near adults

Identify basic concepts and procedures for establishing early cooperative responding and instructional control

Review assessment procedures that support identification of basic cooperative responding, selecting early instructional targets, and promoting response variability.

Practice procedures for establishing initial mand skills.

Practice skill sets involved in use of a materials sort approach to intensive teaching/discrete trial instruction

Describe issues in the design of a balanced instructional program related to establishing a basic skill set for critical social-communicative behaviors

http://www.pattan.net/Videos/Browse/Single/?code_name=an_overview_of_pattan_autism_initiative

Curriculum, Instruction, and Grant Programs Report:  Mr. Gibbons

Very excited about the visit from Kayleen McCabe.  It was awesome for her to come spend the day with our students and staff.  She engaged our students at the middle and high school.  She was excited to see the work that the students are doing on the house and is interested in seeing the progress and even returning when it is finished.  Finally, she presented to the whole student body at the high school to talk about working in the trades. I want to thank the Burrito House for providing lunch for Kayleen and the PBL teachers and students.

Curriculum and professional development – teachers across the district have been working on identifying priority standards and then developing performance scales.  Teachers have been identifying priority standards for many years, but we are always needing to update due to new standards and new testing protocols.  Performance scales are relatively new.  Teachers can use performance scales to specifically enumerate what a student is to know and/or be able to do to meet a specific standard.  The structure of our performance scales is based on the work of Robert Marzano, who also created our observation and evaluation protocol.

The afterschool program is going strong. We currently have 225 elementary students and 47 middle school students Mrs. Bebout and her team recently organized their “Lights Out” event.  About 200 students and their families came to the event where they could see animals from the Horn – T – Zoo, play games and eat dinner.  It was a great event for our students and families. 

I have attached a report with pictures.

Rationale: 

1.  Bond Refinance:  Attached is an updated schedule and projected bond repayment schedule.  See attached.

2.  NASB State Convention:  NASB State Convention is Thursday and Friday morning this week.  The pre-conference scheduled for Wednesday afternoon focuses on school funding and property tax concerns.

3.  Facilities Update:  The Middle School gym floor is completed.  Our students will be able to use it on November 17th.  Big thank you to the teachers and coaches who had to move to other facilities, run PE classes in the hallways, cafeteria, etc... to make this work.

4.  Strategic Planning Workshops: The first strategic planning workshop is scheduled for Wedensday, November 23rd from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.  Each building will host their own parent nights and we will schedule a date with Cargill.  The community leaders workshop will be held in the east gym on January 3rd at 6:00 PM.

5.  January Board Meeting Date:  We are  suggesting moving the January meeting from the second Monday to the third Monday, Janaury 16th.

Rationale: 

Minutes from November 2016 Foundation Meeting

Members Present:  Brian, Dan, Virginia, Sandy and Victor

Members Absent:  Lumir and Joyce

Others Present:  Kem, Sheri and Shelley

Brian called the meeting to order at 12:07 pm

Secretary Report/Minutes from Sept. 2016 were reviewed and approved as submitted

Treasurer’s Report was reviewed and corrected check amount to Schwan’s to $71.44 then approved

Victor brought a visitor Mynor Hernandez to the meeting and he described his duties with the Comite Latino which is located at the Homestead Center and then he presented Brian with a $300 check from the Labor Day Dance to be put into the general fund

Committee Reports

Labor Day:  Brian, Victor, Virginia and Sandy

·     Brian reported that he had not received a detailed report from Tiffany from the chamber

Scholarship:  Lumir and Sandy

Nothing new to report

Education:  Brian and Lumir

·     They are reviewing their selections from the 1^st quarter nominees

P/R Communications:  Dan, Sandy, Sheri and Virginia

·     Dan reported that the tech committee met after the Tech Fair

·     Try to increase the social media presence

·     Build a web app for mobile devices for people to get school information

·     Committee meeting with two different companies will start the interviewing process after the first of the year

·     Have added a widget to the Schuyler community schools website for local news

·     SMS Field house is close to opening to the public

·     Senior citizens will be able to use the facility for walking between 8:00 and 4:00

·     Questions were asked on how the furnishings for the field house were being paid and Dr. Hoesing said a community account is where the funds were

·     Teammates are using the facility for the mentors to meet with their mentees

Alumni Honors Committee:  Sheri and Joyce

·     They will start the selection process after the first of the year they have three carryover nominees

Mission Statement and Goals update:  Brian, Joyce and Sheri

·     Need to set up a time to meet

Fundraising:  Sandy and Holly

·     Shelley had Sandy sign a letter and then included the thank you’s from the scholarship recipient’s to be sent to Mr. Sindelar when the Bywaters went to Colorado for a visit

·     Sandy presented Golf Alumni Sponsor boards she had made up from 2015 & 2016 golf tournaments

·     Shelley will send out the latest donor board to all members for review

·     Changes to the donor board will be made after the 1^st of the year

·     Discussed setting up a separate account at Pinnacle Bank for the field house donations

School Facilities:  Dan, Joyce and Holly

·     Dan gave an update on improvements and additions to the field house:  middle net, batting cages, golf nets and screens over windows

·     School updates were discussed:  addition of classrooms and band room, renovation of east gym to become a theater, new gym, kitchen facilities and commons area all will be further discussed after strategic meeting is held with staff and then community leaders

 Sheri Balak gave a report regarding an organization she belongs to regarding building homes in Schuyler in June 2017 now looking for location for the first home

·     Will speak to staff on November 23^rd all staff meeting to look for organizations to help volunteer

Kem Cavanah spoke regarding ringing bells for Salvation Army during the holiday season looking for volunteers etc.

Brian adjourned the meeting at 1:05 pm

Next Meeting will be December 5, 2016 at the SMS Conference Room