July 9, 2012 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  The Student Fees hearing was opened at 6:30 PM by President Jedlicka. This hearing was held for any discussion on the increase of breakfast and lunch prices for the 2012-2013 school year. The hearing was closed at 6:36 PM.

Discussion:  The meeting was called to order by President Jedlicka. All board members were present. Also present were Superintendent Stevens, Principal Grammer and Curriculum Administrator Gibbons.

Discussion:  All present participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  President Jedlicka stated that the meeting had been preceded by advance notice and is hereby declared to be in open session.

Discussion:  The negotiating committee met again with representatives from the SEA to renegotiate the contract for 2012-2013. The committe felt that both sides worked toward a common end; the SEA membership must still approve the contract.

Discussion:  Money from the sale of a van and pick-up from SES to CMI ($1000), in addition to insurance money from hail damage to older vehicles ($10,700) would allow the purchase of a used pick-up. The current pick-up needs a new transmission. Consensus of the school board was to put off the purchase of a used pick-up for six months.

Discussion:  The planning committee would like to be assured that the hiring of an additional person is necessary. Comparisons of time and duties necssary to clean the rural schools vs. the town schools was made. A comment was made from the board that if in six months it is shown that an adequate janitoral job cannot be completed, an additional employee would be considered. Superintendent Stevens reminded the school board members that an additional 33,000 sq. ft. has been added to SES.

Discussion:  An estimated projection of $545,000 of QSCB (Qualified School Construction Bonds)dollars will remain after the additional SES structure has been completed. A list of items desired for the SES addition, though not purchased were discussed. Administrators listed their top five choices in order of preference - *Expanded Security – Lighting and Cameras $10,000 *Sound System - $12,000 *Bleachers for 400 - $35,000 *Playground equipment - $65,000 *Concrete apron off of high way 15 - $27,000 Superintendent Stevens asked the board for authorization to proceed with the purchase of a sound system and expenaded security. A final cost for the SES addition will be available at the August meeting. After that, the board will consider other requests. All QSCB monies need to be spent by November 2013.

Discussion:  The ERIP discussion focuses on 2 main areas of discussion: 1. Should administrators be included in the ERIP policy? 2. Should the current policy be renewed for the coming year 2012-2013? A decision will be made at the August school board meeting.

Discussion:  The wording in the current policy requires all new kindergarten, 5th grade, and 9th grade students to complete a form proving residency in the district. With the transfer of 5th graders to SES, the policy would require 6th graders at SMS to prove residency. In addition, all new students at any school would need to prove residency.

Discussion:  Board member Vavricek reported that the discussion at the last meeting included keeping a financial balance so that interest generated would support chosen projects and composing a list of priority projects so donors will know where their donations would be used. Three projects that the Foundation would like to support are a performing arts center, a preschool facility, and renovation to activities facilities.

Discussion:  Cindy Beebe, Tom Wheeldon, and Amy Johnson will be seeking funds for curriculum development and program improvement.

Discussion:  EMC Insurance will be sending an adjustment check to SCS for recent hail damage for approximately $40,500.

Discussion:  The addition to SES is completed but some renovation is still in progress. Classrooms are being filled with books and equipment for the upcoming school year.

Discussion:  An article that appeared in the Lincoln Journal Star was shared that included quotes from Jeff Droge and Robin Stevens concerning the recent approval by the SCS board to purchase iPads for classroom use.

Discussion:  Principal Grammer reported that on June 30,2012 51 Nebraska students received GED degrees at a ceremony held at Nebraska Wesleyan University. These students were from Lexington, Hastings, Lincoln, Omaha, and Schuyler. Two of the students from Schuyler had prepared for their exam at the Schuyler Resource Center.