March 20, 2017 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
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I. Call Meeting to Order
Rationale:
STRIVE • COMMIT • SUCCEED - District Mission 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
Discussion:
Meeting was called to order by President Brabec at 6:30 PM. Board members present were Vavricek, Semerad, Brabec, and Hild. Hernandez arrived at 7:10 PM and Misek was absent. Also present were Principals Comley, Grammer, Burton, Kovar, Zavadil and Directors Vrba and Gibbons.
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I.A. Pledge of Allegiance
Discussion:
President Brabec read the District Mission Statement and declared the meeting was in open session and was advertised to the public and the Board of Education by advance notice. All those present participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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I.B. Declaration of Open Meeting
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.
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II. Approval of Consent Agenda
Rationale:
Discuss, Consider and Take Action on the consent agenda
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the consent agenda Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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II.A. Agenda
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II.B. Minutes
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II.C. Acceptance of Claims
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II.C.1. Bills of $5,000 or more
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II.D. Financial
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II.E. Other Listed Reports
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III. Public Forum - We ask that all presentation be limited in their length.
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III.A. Recognition of visitors and guests
Discussion:
Colin Gibbons was present for the meeting as a requirement for his Boy Scout merit badge.
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III.B. Other topics (limited to 5 minutes - subject to guidelines of the Board Participation Policy)
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III.C. Student Representative's Report
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IV. Action Items
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IV.A. Americanism: Curriculum, Assessment, and Instructional Programs
Rationale:
This committee is responsible for reviewing curriculum recommendations, textbook selection, requisitions/inventory, and instructional programs.
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IV.A.1. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve the 2017 textbook replacement and curriculum updates.
Rationale:
The board committee met with Dave Gibbons and building principals to review the textbook cycle recommendations for 2017-2018. See attached information.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the 2017 textbook replacement and curriculum updates. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Textbooks are replaced yearly according to the Textbook Cycle Curriculum Database. Quotes are still being taken from textbook suppliers for the 17-18 school year.
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IV.A.2. Consider, discuss and take action to approve 2017-18 Special Education Services with ESU 7.
Rationale:
Attached are the 2016-17 and 2017-18 services provided by ESU 7. The contract for 2017-18 also includes a .80 FTE contract for school psychologist to replace Mr. Goos. I attached the 2016-17 contract for comparison purposes.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the 2017-2018 Special Education Contract with ESU 7. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
The contract for 2017-18 also includes a .80 FTE contract for school a psychologist provided by ESU7. The time the psychologist serves the district will be assessed and adjusted, if necessary.
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IV.B. Board Policy, Handbooks, and Support Programs
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.
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IV.C. Building, Grounds, and Transportation
Rationale:
This committee is responsible for recommending approval of building/grounds and transportation programs, vehicle replacement schedule, building and maintenance and upgrade schedule.
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IV.C.1. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve the 2017 vehicle replacement plan
Rationale:
Attached is the vehicle replacement plan with the plan for both large and small vehicle replacement. The transportation committee agreed to replace the two old route buses with used buses rather than continue replacing one bus with a new bus every other year. This will allow us to get back on track with two reliable buses for routes and elementary field trips. The total budget for vehicle replacement is $100,000.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the 2017 vehicle replacement plan as presented. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
The transportation committee agreed to replace the two old route buses with two newer 71-passenger used buses.
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IV.C.2. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve the purchase of a 71 passenger, 2012 International Bus
Rationale:
The recommendation in the vehicle replacement plan calls for the replacement of the two oldest buses used on the route. We recommend purchasing two used buses rather than a new bus. We have a 71 passenger bus located for less than half the price of a new bus. Purchase price quoted with the trade is $43,000. See attached information.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the purchase agreement for a 2012 International bus from Cornhusker International. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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IV.C.3. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve 2017 Building and Grounds Summer Maintenance Plan
Rationale:
Building principals have worked with Ronnie Mundil and maintenance staff on recommended upgrades to their buildings and grounds. Attached is their recommendation for the summer of 2017.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve 2017 Building and Grounds Summer Maintenance Plan Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Pricing for planned projects is still under consideration; the school board can still say yes or no to individual projects.
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IV.C.4. Consider, discuss and take all necessary action with regard to awarding the general contract for construction of the Schuyler High School Classroom Addition building project.
Rationale:
MOTION AND RESOLUTION TO APPROVE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT Schuyler Central Community Schools Meeting of Board of Education, March 20, 2017 WHEREAS, the Board of Education of this School District solicited bids for a general contract for the construction of the Schuyler High School Classroom Addition building project and received bids from the following contractors set forth on the Bid Tabulation, Attachment “A” hereto. WHEREAS, the Board of Education has reviewed the bids and exercised due diligence to determine if a contractor submitting a bid is a qualified bidder, examined and compared the bids submitted by the contractors to determine whether their respective bid complies with the contract and construction documents, and determine which of the bids received is the lowest responsible bid under the applicable law of the State of Nebraska that best meets the needs of the School District for the Schuyler High School Classroom Addition building project; and, WHEREAS, the Board of Education finds that the bid submitted by Bierman Contracting, Inc. is the low monetary bid, and that upon inquiry and investigation determines that Bierman Contracting, Inc., has the ability and capacity and the equipment and facilities to carry on the work, has provided assurances of the ability to perform the work with promptness and on schedule, has exhibited quality of work on previous projects and is suitable to the particular task of the Project, and if awarded the contract has the ability to perform it strictly in accordance with its terms, and as such, the Board of Education finds that the Bierman Contracting, Inc., bid constitutes the low responsible bid for the Schuyler High School Classroom Addition building project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that on the basis of the foregoing recitals, the Board of Education of this School District should, and does, hereby award the bid for the Schuyler High School Classroom Addition to Bierman Contracting, Inc. for the sum of NINE HUNDRED NINETY-SIX THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($996,500.00), and hereby authorizes and directs the President of the Board of Education or other board of education officers and the Superintendent of Schools to execute all documents necessary to enter into a contract pursuant to the bid documents and all other actions necessary thereto. The foregoing Motion and Resolution having been read in its entirety, and Board member _____________ moved for its passage and adoption. Board member _____________ seconded same. After discussion and on roll call vote, the following Board members voted in favor of passage and adoption of the above Resolution: _________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________. The following Board members voted against the same: ___________________________. The following Board members were absent or not voting: ________________________. The above Motion and Resolution having been consented to by a majority of the members of the School Board of this School District, were declared as passed and adopted by the President at a duly held and lawfully convened meeting in full compliance with the Nebraska Open Meetings Law. DATED this 20th day of March, 2017. COLFAX COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 19-0123, A/K/A SCHUYLER CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BY: ___________________________________ President ATTEST: ____________________________________ Secretary
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion and Resolution to approve the contract with Bierman Contracting, Inc. for construction of the Schuyler High School Classroom Addition building project. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
This motion and resolution were prepared by the school's attorney. Bierman Contracting was the low bidder. Value engineering is still in progress; some items are no longer warranted due to the school being a public entity with a Zone A status. The construction timeline allows for the portable classrooms to remain in use during construction.
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IV.D. Governance: Public Relations, Technology, and Planning
Rationale:
This committee is responsible for recommending the annual district calendar, strategic planning process, technology, and promoting positive public relations and communications program.
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IV.D.1. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve the 2017 Strategic Plan as presented
Rationale:
Attached is the plan as of Friday, March 17th. The plan is kept current on the filemaker portal and will be finalized on Monday prior to the meeting. The only updates from Friday to Monday will be to the high school classroom addition. I will be updating the timeline and actions associated with the bid from Bierman Contracting, Inc.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the 2017 Strategic Plan as presented. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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IV.D.2. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve the 2017 technology replacement plan.
Rationale:
We replace two classrooms of iPads each year. In addition Mr. Droge manages computers, printers, and copiers on a rotation schedule. See attached plan.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the 2017 technology replacement plan as presented. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Two classrooms of iPads are replaced each year. In addition, a rotation of computers, printers, and copiers is on a yearly schedule.
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IV.D.3. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve the 2017-18 school calendar.
Rationale:
The SEA and administrators met several times and presented their recommendation to the board committee over the past two months. See attached recommendation.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the 2017-18 school calendar as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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IV.E. Budget, finance, negotiations, and personnel
Rationale:
This committee is responsible for budget, finance, and contract negotiations with administration, certificated staff, and support staff.
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IV.E.1. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve staff resignations
Rationale:
Teachers 1. Michaila Gansebom: Instrumental Music Teacher 2. Rebecca Thuman: 9-12 Language Arts Teacher 3. Amanda Hutton: 9-12 Spanish Teacher 4. Eryn Lemke: 5th Grade Teacher 5. McKenzie Goplin: 2nd Grade Teacher 6. Lanette Bathen: Elementary Reading Specialist Support Staff 1. Daicy Estrada: SCHS special education para-educator 2. Hilda Ramos: SES para-educator 3. Adonis Lopez: SES Head Custodian/Maintenance
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve teacher and support staff resignations as presented and thank them for their service to the district. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Teachers submitting resignations are as follows: Michaila Gansebom, Instrumental Music; Rebecca Thumann, 9-12 Language Arts; Amanda Hutton, 9-12 Spanish; Eryn Lemke, 5th grade; McKenzie Goplin, 2nd Grade; Lanette Bathen, Elementary Reading Specialist; and Support Staff members Daicy Estrada, SCHS special education para-educator; Hilda Ramos, SES para-educator; and Adonis Lopez, SES Head Custodian/Maintenance.
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IV.E.2. Consider discuss and take action to approve early retirement applications
Rationale:
1. Mike Goos: School Psychologist
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve Mike Goos' application for early retirement and thank him for his service to the school district. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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IV.E.3. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve new hire recommendations
Rationale:
Teachers: 1. Nancy Tellez: Early Childhood Home Provider (Amanda O'Malley) 2. Melanie Gustafson: 9-12 Language Arts Teacher (Jill Hoesing) 3. Jason Trautman: 9-12 Language Arts Teacher (Becky Thuman) 4. Belarmino Chavez: 9-12 Spanish Teacher (Amanda Hutton) Support Staff: 1. Maribel Mendez: SES Special Education Para-Educator (Hilda Ramos)
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve new hire recommendations as presented. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
New teachers hired for the 17-18 school so far are Nancy Tellez, Early Childhood Home Provider; Melanie Gustafson, 9-12 Language Arts; Jason Trautman, 9-12 Language Arts; and Belarmino Chavez, 9-12 Spanish. |
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IV.E.4. Consider, discuss, and take action to approve 2017-18 support program coordinators and directors contracts
Rationale:
The finance committee met and approved salary proposals for program coordinators for 2017-18 school year. We will be extending teacher contracts in April and support staff and extra-duty contracts in May.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve 2017-18 support program coordinators and directors contracts as presented Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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V. Discussion Items and Reports
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V.A. Principals Reports
Rationale:
Preschool and 3-5 Principal's Report: Mr. Comley K- 123 1- 131 2- 157 3- 131 4- 119 5- 128 Total- 789 Preschool- 106 Preschool roundup will be held at Headstart on March 22nd 8:00-4:00, and March 23rd 8:00-5:00 I have been finishing up formal observations and things are going really well at SES and Preschool. Teachers are doing and outstanding job. Outstanding attendance again at SES and Preschool for PT conferences. Traffic is going good. Sixpence had a state visit and we did an outstanding job! I was commended on the work we have done for our families and were told that we were one of the leaders in the state when it comes to early childhood. Our home visitors are doing an outstanding job! Thank you for all your support in the program. Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Principal's Report: Mr. Kovar Formal observations for the year have been completed. You will be happy to know that there are some great things happening in the classrooms at Schuyler Elementary. There is so much evidence that APL and Capturing Kids Hearts strategies are being used. The professional development that you have all committed too is being used and is having an impact on students! We will have a few staff changes for next year, and interviews will begin on Wednesday the 22nd. Parent teacher conferences were a success, with near 100% attendance or contact. The school improvement team continues to meet monthly and is already preparing for our External visit next year. Rural School Principal and Instrumental Music Report: Mr. Reinsch Richland Report A strategic planning parent meeting was held at Richland on March 6. Information was shared and discussed about opportunities to increase enrollment over the next 3 years. Items of focus included 1) Pre-School, 2) Busing, and 3) STEM pending board of education approval. Fishers Report The Fishers strategic planning parent meeting was held on February 28. Priorities for 2017-18 include shifting of teaching assignments to get extra help in the 6th-7th-8th grade classroom. A Sped teacher and Richland teacher could flip-flop morning and afternoon to accommodate the 6/7/8 need. Parents offered to start fund raising activities to help fund new playground equipment. An operating council meeting will be held on April 3 to plan for possible fund raising. Schuyler Middle School Band 115 band students in grades 6-7-8 will be attending the Springfield-Platteview Music Contest on Friday, March 24 along with Mrs. Bywater's 7-8 choirs. Schuyler Central High School Band Five SCHS band students auditioned and were selected to play in the Conference Honor Band at Aurora on March 20. flute-Claire Martin, alto sax-Sidney Svehla, F Horn-Kasey Barbec, trombone-Connor Bywater, baritone-Maria Semerad Middle School Assistant Principal's Report: Mr. Zavadil -Interviews to fill our positions at the middle school are going well, we have a good pool of applicants for our jobs and will likely have our open positions filled very soon. -Fourth quarter is in full swing and my project based learning class has started again. I am excited to take everything that I have learned from the first semester and pour that into changing things up and making the second semester even better. We are adding two or three projects to this quarter that should enrich the experience. Schuyler Middle School Principal's Report: Mrs. Burton SMS Parent-Teacher Conference Report: 6th Grade-129/143 or 90.2% 7th Grade-105/123 or 85.3% 8th Grade-98/130 or 75.4% Total Attendance Percentage: 83.8% SMS Student Enrollment 6th Grade-143 7th Grade-123 8th Grade-131 Total Student Enrollment:397 2016 Student Enrollment: 377 There are several upcoming dates of importance at SMS. A parent letter will be mailed home next week informing parents of all important dates for their children. Please take a moment to read over the SMS Warrior Update: https://www.smore.com/vzsjb High School Assistant Principal's Report: Mr. Kasik
?High School Principal's Report: Mr. Grammer
Brief overview of what has happened at Schuyler Central High School for the months of February & March:
Our March Students Of The Month are: Senior—Emanuel Magana; Junior—Juan Uribe; Sophomore—Diana Lira, and Freshman—Rosalyn Calderon. Congratulations to these students for their diligent hard work academically, behaviorally, and in their great attendance.
Kasey Brabec, a sophomore at SCHS, was selected as the March Fine Arts. He was nominated by Mrs. Hoesing for his work in One Act and Speech. Congratulations to Kasey Brabec for his hard work and dedication to our Fine Arts programs.
We have hired two new Language Arts teachers. Mrs. Melanie Gustafson will be teaching 9th Grade English and Speech and Jason Trautman will be teaching Junior English. I would like to welcome to our staff and look forward to them working with our students.
Throughout the months of March and April , we will begin conducting our spring formal observations using iObservation. We are seeing many benefits to the use of iObservation for the improvement of instruction in our classes. Teachers are demonstrating growth and enhancement of their instruction. At SCHS we have begun implementing and using the ACT PREP Online through the state. We are still using the John Baylor ACT Prep program for all of our students to sign up for and participate in. We are going to be working on preparing for Juniors for the ACT test on April 19th.
Congratulations to the girls and boys basketball teams for improving in their programs and the development of younger players. They were extremely competitive and represented SCHS in the best possible ways.
SCHS enrollment as of March 14th: Total Enrollment: 545
Seniors – 115; Juniors – 125; Sophomores – 150 Freshman – 155
The Discovery Education training and staff development has been a positive and beneficial process for our staff. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with Discovery and continue our improvement in the classroom.
Discussion:
Kindergarten round-up is going well with many returned applications. Interviews to fill two openings at SES will begin this week. Richland School is interested in promoting STEM education and is discussing offering a preschool program. 8th graders at SMS will be touring Midland University in April.
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V.B. Directors Reports
Rationale:
K-6 Youth Activities Program: Mr. Kovar Youth sports- The basketball season has completed. I truly believe it was a success. I have contacted all of the coaches, and am compiling there thoughts and suggestions on how to improve for next year. We are currently having volleyball for 5th and 6th grade girls, and are working on a plan for 3rd and 4th grade girls to run in April. The FieldHouse continues to be a big hit. To give an example, last Saturday morning, there were K&1 boys basketball games on the sport courts, and around 40 girls on the turf field attending a softball clinic put on by our high school coaches. The options are endless on how we can improve, and we are getting better!! Middle School Activities Director's Report: Mr. Zavadil -Spring sports are underway with the Middle School Track starting practice today. Our first JH track meet will be the “Early-Bird” meet at Wisner on April 4th followed by West Point April 13th. -Jim and I have been interviewing coaches for the next school year and are making progress on filling some coaching vacancies. -Most of the Fall and Winter Schedules for next school year have been nearly finalized and should be finished by the end of March. -The use of the Field-House has been going well during the school day and before/after school. Coaches are booking times and we have a system that seems to be working well. High School Activities Director's Report: Mr. Kasik
Director of Special Education Report: Mrs. Vrba A Generous Gift: The Colfax County ARC Association has given each special education program in of our school district $300.00! Their only stipulation was that teachers purchase materials and/or equipment that would assist our students be more successful in his/her classroom. Besides the $1,500 for each special education program, the ARC donated an additional $500 for students to use for activity that involves all grade-levels. Last year, the K-5 students and high school students went to Aksarben Village. It was a priceless adventure for all of the students involved and bonds of friendship between the different levels were formed! Crazy time of the year: Everyone is busy making sure all their students are ready for the NeSA and ACT tests that are just around the corner. We still have a list of students to test and check on students that are in the SAT process before the school year is over. We are starting the extremely important part of transitioning students from their present program to the next step. We are busy laying the ground work to ensure our strategic plan challenges us to grow more effective over the next three years. Curriculum, Assessment, and Federal Programs Director: Mr. Gibbons Curriculum – Dr. Hoesing and I attended the National Association for Bilingual Education conference February 23 - 25. We attended many interesting (and yes, some not so interesting) sessions on why and how to set up bilingual or dual language schools. After listening to all the presentations and especially after listening to a keynote by Dr. Leo Gomez, I am convinced of two things: 1) we could improve services for students by adopting a dual language program, and 2) we need to proceed slowly and deliberately to ensure proper implementation of a program. More information is attached. Assessment - The ELPA 21 started this week. This is a challenge due to the high numbers of ELL students and the low number of ELL specific teachers, but our staff does a great job scheduling and getting it taken care of. Here is a reminder of the tests that we will need to complete this spring:
At the middle school, we have four teachers and one college student providing a variety of clubs, including the You club, Painting Club, There's no Reason, Crocheting Club, Acting/Drama Club, Gardening Club, DIY Club, Culture Club, Nerd Club, Volleyball Club, and Basketball Club. Summer School - Middle School Newcomers - 5/19 to 6/6/2017Migrant Summer School (Run by ESU 7 in SMS) - 6/12/ to 6/30/2017 High School Credit Recovery and Courses - May/June 21st Century Middle School - 6/5 to 6/23/2017 21st Century Elementary - 6/5/ to 6/23/2017 Warrior SMS STEM Camp - 7/5 to 7/21/2017 Elementary STEM/Reading/ELL - 7/5 to 7/21/2017
Discussion:
Athletic participation at SCHS is up 10% from the 15-16 school year. According to the NSAA, SCHS is ranked 19th among 48 Nebraska Class-B schools. Track began at SMS with 120 participants. Fall and winter athletic schedules are being finalized for 17-18 and coaches are being interviewed. A dual-language program is being discussed with implementation projected for the 2018-2019 school year. A first step will be to create a team to inspect the various models available.
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V.C. Superintendent's Report
Rationale:
1. Foundation After Hours Event: The Foundation after hours event has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 30th. Brian Vavricek and Virginia Semerad can fill you in on any additional information about the event. 2. May School Board Meeting: Request to move the May School Board Meeting up to accommodate Awards Night at the High School for May 8th. The Awards Program is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM. 3. Academic Honors Night: Tuesday, May 9th at 7:00 PM. 4. Graduation: Sunday, May 14th at 2:00 PM
Discussion:
The SCS Foundation After-Hours event has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 30th at the Schuyler Golf Club.
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V.D. Board Member/Committee Reports
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VI. Correspondence Items
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VII. Adjournment
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to adjourn Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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