May 11, 2020 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 front of the meeting room.

Nebraska Open Meetings Act:  http://nitc.nebraska.gov/documents/statutes/NebraskaOpenMeetingsAct_current.pdf

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:  The entire curriculum cycle is posted in the district website.  Attached below is the 2020 textbook replacement plan.  See attachment below.

Rationale:  We have worked for the last four months to finalize our recommendations for the 2020 strategic plan.  We used Thoughtexchange to encourage our staff and parents and students to give input on our programs and recommendations for action plans.

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:  Attached below is the recommended resolution supporting our application for the emergency declaration due to the impact of COVID-19 and school closure.  See attached resolution prepared by our legal counsel.

Rationale:  This committee is responsible for recommending approval of building/grounds and transportation programs, vehicle replacement schedule, building and maintenance and upgrade schedule.

Rationale:  The building and grounds plan is on the filemaker portal.  You can review the entire plan on the board website.  See attached 2020 plan.

Rationale:  The 2020 Equipment Replacement Plan is on the filemaker portal.  You can review the entire plan on the board website.  See attached 2020 plan.

Rationale:  The 2020 vehicle replacement plan is on the filemaker portal.  You can review the entire plan on the board website.  See attached 2020 plan. The only vehicle on the plan for this fall is a bus. 

Rationale:  This committee is responsible for recommending the annual district calendar, strategic planning process, technology, and promoting positive public relations and communications program.

Rationale:  The entire technology replacement plan is on the board website.  Attached below is the 2020 technology equipment replacement plan.  See attached plan.

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

Rationale: 
New Hires:
1.  Kara Blase:  SCHS ELL Teacher
2.  Steve Buresh:  Buildings and Grounds (Marv Aldrich)
3.  Cori Vavricek:  SCHS School Nurse (Mary Didier)
4.  Jenna Banahan:  Part-Time School Nurse Position

Rationale:  Resignation
1.  Tammy Grotelueschen

Resignation and Retirement
1.  Annette Votova:  SES Para Educator
2.  Donna Sobota;  SMS Para Educator
 

Rationale:  Attached are the recommended support staff salary schedules for 2019-20 and 2020-21 for comparison.

Rationale:  See attached list and corresponding assigned positions for the 2020-2021 school year.
 

Rationale:  The principals and activities directors have been working on the extra-duty contracts for the 2020-21 school year.  Attached below are the extra-duty assignments at this time.  We still have a few assignments open due to a few open teaching positions at this time.  See attached information below.

Rationale:  Preschool and SES 3-5 Principal's Report:  Mr. Comley
This month I want to highlight the families of the Preschool and SES. During this tough time the families have shown so much desire to do whats best for their children. We have received numerous call and emails on how to help their children. It has been a blessing to have such supportive parents of Schuyler Community Schools.  They are the true champions in this and they continue to show me why through all the conversations I have with them. Thank you parents for all you do!

SES K-2 Principal's Report:  Mr. Kovar
I would like to take the time in this last board report to thank the people who have made my time here in Schuyler so memorable. First of all the students!! I take a lot of pride in the relationships that I have built with so many students here in Schuyler. From Seniors to Kindergartners, the students of Schuyler Community Schools have greatly impacted me, and made a lasting impression on me as a person. I learned as much from them, as I hope they learned from me. 

Secondly the teachers. I have met some outstanding teachers who continue to make Schuyler and their students better. The amount of time and dedication that some of you have  is a true testament to what an outstanding teacher looks like.

Lastly, I would like to thank Dr. Hoesing, the Board, and my fellow Administrators. I have grown so much as an Administrator during my time here at Schuyler. I will work hard to take some of the traits and things that I have learned here into my new position. I would especially like to thank Mr. Comley. I have really enjoyed our 5 years together here at the Elementary School. I think we have made a pretty good team, and more importantly, I have made a lifelong friend. Thanks again!

Rural Schools Principal's Report:  Ms. Bebout
Program Spotlight: I would like to give a shout out to ALL my teachers who have put in so much time teaching or working with students in this different environment!  They have handed out packets with hands-on fun activities, zoom calls, phone calls, and many other ways to connect with their students during this hard time!  I would like to give a shout out to ALL of my para-educators who have gone above and beyond helping in many different capacities.  They have helped get packets together, hand out packets on pick-up days, run copies, are working on activities for next year, helping out in different buildings when needed, and para-educator training!  I would finally like to give a shout out to the custodians who have been working to keep our schools a safe place to work and for the summer work they have already started on.  I am very proud of ALL of my staff and of their commitment to continuing education even when it is completely different!

SMS Assistant Principal's Report:  Mr. Zavadil
Packet pickup has been going smooth and our staff has been working as hard and as safely as possible to continue to provide those options to our students.  Our fourth packets are underway and will be ready to be picked up on Thursday.    This year has not ended as smoothly as we had wanted it, but it has been a very good year.  Our staff has done a fantastic job of working with the Schuyler Instructional model and I believe we have had some of our best ratings on our observations to date.  The staff has done a great job working with the curriculum department and our curriculum documents have never looked this good!  There is no singular moment that I feel is a highlight for our Middle School, rather I would like to recognize our entire staff for working very well and as a cohesive unit through the year.  It truly was a very good school year with a strange ending.

SMS Principal's Report:  Mrs. Burton
During this historic time, I continue to be blown away by the intentionality and determination of a young adult.  It is easy to lump all of our 400 plus students into one category.  Instead, I would like to share individual stories of students in our district.

One 8th grade boy comes to mind.  On packet pickup days, he is one of the first in the door.  Why?  He has work to do.  He spends his day on the farm working.  There are many adults that do not put in as many hours or conduct work quite as physical in their work.  He loves it.  It brings him joy!

Another 8th grade sister and her 7th grade brother come to mind.  They are quarantined to their home and yard.  Their online work?  It is done.  Their yard?  It is impeccably mowed?  The hedges and garden beds?  Not a weed or errant shrub can be seen.  Their windows?  Sparkling!  Their quarantine is an opportunity to honor their neighbors by making their home the best it can be!

There are students that come every single day to pick up lunches at SMS.  They are one of the thousand.  They come with smiles, some with little brothers and sisters that walk with them.  Some walk.  Others ride their bike.  The lucky ones have parents that drop them off at the entrance or even pick up their meals for them.  

I have noticed one that walks every day.  He is greeted by Mrs. Shannon while he stands in line six feet apart from the others.  Meanwhile, his little siblings stand off to the side.  He receives the food and then has the task of hauling the heavy bags back home as he helps the little ones in his care cross the street.  The children stare at the park as they walk by.  Instead of stopping to play, they are hustled home to where there is little exposure.  He is responsible for their care for the day until his parents get home.  Every Monday through Friday, he will do it all over again.  He isn’t more than eleven.

Each one of our students comes from a different set of circumstances.  For some, life is easier now than it was on March 17th.  For others, they are raising their siblings during the day while trying to keep up with their own Zoom meetings, completing their own packets, or even just answering a text from a friend.  Some are working full time hoping to save up money for their future car in high school, or better yet, college in the distant future.

Despite each circumstance, our students continue to rise above their circumstances.  They continue to impress me with their courage, acceptance of responsibility, and work ethic.  

They are Warriors.  

I couldn’t be more honored to serve as their principal.

SCHS Assistant Principal's Report:  Mr. Kasik
As we all know this last couple of months have been difficult to say the least.  Our students and especially our seniors have been thrust into the real world with very real consequences.  Many are working full-time, helping out at home and also working on educational packets.  They have been asked to do this basically overnight at the cost of prom, pep rally's spring sport seasons, graduation parties and a proper way to say good bye to their teachers, coaches and class mates.  I cannot imagine myself going through this.  Therefore, I want to tell all these students that this has also been hard for teachers and administrators who have watched these kids mature into young adults.  Through it all we want you to know that we miss you, we wish you all the success and joy in the world and that we Love you!  You guys are the reason we come to work each day.  God Bless You and keep you safe!

SCHS Principal's Report:  Mr. Grammer
The end of this year has been stressful and challenging for teachers, classified staff, parents, and students.  Through it all our school and community have shown great character and resiliency during this trying time.  During such tough times, people rise to the challenge and conquer their issues and problems.  Our staff and students are no different, they have stood up to the challenge and demonstrated excellence in action. 

I would like to recognize individuals who have kept us up and running during this pandemic time:
•  Our office staff and administrative assistants
•  Custodial personnel who keep our buildings clean and sanitized
•  Food service staff for providing meals for our families
•  Teachers and staff for providing packets and academic work, so our students have the opportunities to succeed
   and move forward.
•  Especially our students who have stayed positive and working hard to complete their school work

Thank you for your support and assistance.  With us all working together we will overcome these challenges

 

Rationale:  Youth Sports Director's Report:  Mr. Kovar
As with a lot of things, we had a disappointing finish to our year. Youth softball was cut short, and soccer was not even able to start. However, I am confident that the foundation has been set, for all our youth sports programs to continue to grow and expand in the future. The addition of hiring youth coaches, was a great idea. It will allow JH coaches a chance to build relationships with our students, and help them to have a better idea of what skills and fundamentals to continue to focus on. The calendar for next year is already set, so we should have a smooth and seamless transition to next year. We have ordered some new equipment, and jerseys for next year are already here. Thank you to all of the volunteers and parents who have given their time to help make this program successful!

Warrior Academy - After-School Program Director's Report;  Ms. Bebout
Program Spotlight:  Warrior Academy held the 1st (hopefully annual) Tree-a-thon on April 24th.  This opportunity was presented to the program through our partnership with Beyond School Bells.  Ms. Viquez, Ms. Encarnacion, and Ms. Moran were able to hand out 400 trees to the community!  Trees were donated to the elementary school and the golf course, the rest of the trees were handed out to the community at the middle school during lunch pick-up.  We look forward to offering this program to the Schuyler community in the future. 

SMS Activities Director's Report:  Mr. Zavadil
Our athletic department had a great year up until the shutdown.  Our 8^th grade boy’s football team went 5-1 and our girls’ volleyball teams won 21 matches between the squads this season which is the most we have had in the past 5 years.    Cross country teams both went to all class state with three members of each team placing in the top 100 runners out of over 300.  Our Girls’ basketball teams had 9 wins and our Boys’ wrestling team had 26 athletes with winning records.  Our Boys basketball teams had 4 wins.  We were excited for track season, but unfortunately did not get to see it through.  Overall it was a very successful year for our athletes and we are excited to see our 8^th graders to into HS and hopefully have success.  Mr. Kasik, Mr. Kovar and myself worked together and have the extra duty contracts assigned for next year.  A lot of work and discussion was put forth to make sure that we have the right people in place.  The Field-House remains closed, we will wait until we are given the appropriate approval by local authorities to open. 

SCHS Activities Director's Report:  Mr. Kasik
To our spring athletes and activity participants.  Not in a million years would I have imagined a spring like this.  I am sure that it does not seem fair, because it isn't.  How many winning soccer games did we miss this spring, how many  state qualifiers from our golf team and how many races and jumps on the track we will never see, how many outstanding fine arts performances did we miss.  As painful as this time seems I think we need to keep some sort of perspective.  It is the painful reality that nothing in life is guarantee.  We are only given today and it is up to us to make the most of it.  A speech I would always give to my teams when I coached was I have but one wish for you this season.  I wish that you will make the most of your opportunities and leave this sport with no regrets!  If you can walk away from High School accomplishing this you are a huge success in my eyes!  God Bless and Stay safe!

SCHS Student Services Director's Report:  Dr. Lefdal

Highlights from the Director of Student Services

• I am amazed at the progress of the new addition as well as the remodeling in the building.  It is exciting to see things taking shape and I know our students will be amazed with the changes that have taken place.
• I want to thank the paraprofessionals for all of the work they have done at the high school.  Whatever we ask them to do, they are there to help out!
• Our front office staff is also doing an amazing job of staying positive and keeping a direct link to our community over the phone.  They are there to answer phone calls, collect packets, and give a smile to those coming up to the door!
• Through this tough time, I have had some amazing conversations with some of our students.  It has been a great time to get to know our students and really see the challenges that they face and what they have overcome.

Special Education Director's Report:  Mrs. Vrba
A question that I posed to my SPED-tacular Team:
Who has totally surprised you through this process? (like which student)
   1. Dakota has been a joy to touch base with.  He likes to get on the phone and tell me what he has been doing, including the packet work and fun things with his family.  The neat thing I've noticed is how good he talks on the phone and I understand him clearly.
   2. Keven knew his high frequency words on two pages.
   3. Mauricio has asked me questions during our phone calls every week and is really trying hard on the work. He is able to tell me when he gets frustrated with his work and I believe that's a great skill he has so we can work through it. 
   4. They are doing a great job through the zooming process and we are able to help them.
   5. Daylin is the student that has most surprised me throughout this process. A few weeks ago I was on the phone with her for 30 minutes helping her with some math. It was great to see Daylin go from being a super shy girl to someone who can work independently at home and speak with her teacher over the phone.
   6. Mario has surprised me....he wants to complete his work right away.
   7. Nobody has really surprised me but I was very excited to hear Jayro's mom say she was so happy to see how smart he is and how much he could do!
   8. Arli  She keeps in touch by email or calling a few times each week.  She reports that she IS   wearing her hearing aids! When I talk to her on the phone she doesn't ask me to repeat and seems to be understanding!
   9. I would say Joxsemar surprised me. The first packet that I sent home was supplies and instructions to create flashcards. There was not anything that needed to be turned in, but he returned his instruction page. I had a good feeling that he really took the time to do it, but then also took the time to show me that he did it.

Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction Director's Report:  Dr. Gibbons
Curriculum -  We have been working on updating and preparing curriculum documents to be published in the FileMaker Pro Standards Module.  Becky Lefdal, Mindy Perrin and I have met with every curriculum team over the past few weeks to help them with getting their priority standards, proficiency scales and scope and sequence ready for the beginning of the year next year.  Teachers have done an excellent job of getting the documents finalized.

Professional Development - We are rolling out two new parts of our Renaissance Suite of programs at the beginning of the year next year.  We will be implementing Accelerated Reader and Freckle Math.  In order to prepare, we will have three professional development sessions this week.  On Tuesday, we’ll learn about Literacy Solutions to Accelerate Learning for All with a Focus on AR and MyON.  Then Wednesday, the session will cover Differentiated Supports using Star Custom and finally, the session on Thursday will be about Getting Started with Freckle Math.

 

Rationale:  1.  End of the Year Recognition:  We will host our end of the year recognition ceremony over zoom on May 21st at 8:00AM.  We will have those receiving special recognition and those retiring come to the boardroom for the presentation.  The remaining staff will be in attendance over zoom. 

2.  School Calendar:  Our final workday is May 21st (185 Day Contract).  We will be closed on Friday, May 22nd through Monday, May 25th.  Extended contracts may begin May 26th.  Teachers and counselors on extended contracts must coordinate days with their building principals.

3.  Preschool-8 4^th Packet Preparation:  The fourth and final packet for preschool through 8^th grade should be completed today, Monday, May 11th, ready for pickup on Thursday, May 14^th, remaining packets will be mailed on Friday, May 15^th. 

4.  9-12 Final Packet Pickup:  High school teachers and administrators are working on a 4th packet to be picked up at the high school with student awards and year-end communication to our students.  These packets should be completed by Friday, May 15th and pickup will be next week.  Final grades are due on Wednesday, May 20^th. 

5.  Graduation:  Seniors will be checking in their iPads when they are finished and will pick up their caps and gowns and have a picture taken with their diploma in their graduation attire.  We have no more guidance on graduation.  We are tentatively planning on an in-person graduation ceremony on August 1-2, or if not allowed, move to September 5-6 (Labor Day weekend). 

6.  Food Service:  We are still averaging about 2,000 meals per day.  Our food program will suspend services on Friday through Monday for Memorial Day (May 22-25).  We are also moving the high school kitchen equipment, utensils, supplies, etc...into the connex this week. 

Backpack Program and Food Pantry Programs:  In addition to our daily breakfast and lunch program we are supporting the backpack and food pantry programs.  The backpack program provides weekend meals for students on free and/or reduced lunch program.  Schuyler's next Mobile Food Pantry will be held at SES on Thursday, May 14 at 4:30 pm. Volunteers are needed from 3:30-6:00 to help unload the truck, put food into vehicles, and clean up. 

NDE and Federal Updates:
Friday's State Board Meeting. This past Friday (May 8th), the State Board of Education met. At the beginning of the meeting, Commissioner Blomstedt invited two parent/student advocates to present on schools' approaches to special education during the shutdown. The presentation was not particularly positive towards some school districts (though no names were mentioned). Towards the end of the discussion, the Commissioner commented that he will be recommending changes to State Board policy/rules to implement more "accountability" powers for NDE to take against school districts, including for special education requirements. In addition, the Omaha World Herald has reportedly started working on a story about schools' treatment of and attitudes towards special education students during the shutdown.  We will keep an eye out for those proposed revisions and work with our legal counsel to respond with necessary policy changes.

CARES Act. Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Education issued new "guidance" on certain CARES Act funds.   The most controversial aspect of the "guidance" includes the requirement that public school districts use their CARES Act funds to "provide equitable services to nonpublic schools."  If NDE requires public schools to provide equitable services to nonpublic students, our district's portion of its CARES Act funds could be significantly decreased.  These CARES Act funds can be used for any and all COVID-related expenditures that were incurred on or after March 13, 2020.  CARES Act funds are available to be used through September 30, 2022.  NDE will be rolling out a plan for schools to apply for and receive CARES funds.

Title IX Regulations. Last week, the U.S. Department of Education issued new Title IX regulations and guidance. The new regulations are set to go into effect on August 14, 2020. There is a reasonable likelihood that a federal court will enter a nationwide injunction to block the implementation of these regulations.  There may be some policy and handbook changes that need to be updated this summer to comply with the new regulations.

Launch Nebraska. As you now know, NDE released "Launch Nebraska" last week. It remains unclear whether the "steps" within Launch Nebraska are mandatory or suggested. We will continue to secure a definitive answer on this question. 

Extended School Year (ESY):  It is important to remember that the purpose of ESY is to prevent regression, while compensatory services are to make up for a school's failure to deliver appropriate services as needed to deliver a free and appropriate education (FAPE).  It remains unclear whether schools will be allowed to have in-person summer school. The current DHM (that prohibits all schools from education students in-person) expires at the end of May.

Reading Improvement Act:   Requires each school district to "make available a summer reading program each summer . . ." 79-2605(1)(c). Governor Ricketts' prior Executive Order only waived 79-2603(1), so the summer reading statutory requirement remains in effect. We are hoping to receive some direction from the Governor's Office as to whether the summer reading program's requirements will be waived or will continue to apply during this summer,

Fall Return to School:  Depending on how the virus and DHM's play out this summer, schools may need to be prepared to act on a number of important items at their June or July (perhaps even August) board meetings. If schools are not allowed to educate students in-person (or will need to have partial remote and partial in-person), we will need to have a plan for a safe return to school.  We will use thoughtexchange to receive staff perspective on the effectiveness of our current continuity of learning plan.  This information is necessary prior to us making any plans for a modified start to our school year in the fall.