January 15, 2018 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

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

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 on the back wall of the meeting room.

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

2017 Board Offices

President:  Rich Brabec                                Vice President - Brian Vavricek

Secretary - Virginia Semerad                        Treasurer - Chuck Misek

NASB Delegate - Rich Brabec                        Recording Secretary -  Sally Jakub

2018 Board Offices

President -                                                      Vice President -

Secretary -                                                     Treasurer -

NASB Delegate -                                          Recording Secretary -

Any board member may nominate a candidate for the board president position.  If only one candidate is nominated, board members may call for the vote, or in the case of only one nomination, make a motion for nominations to cease and cast a unanimous ballot for the nominee. 

If more than one candidate is nominated, there should be a paper ballot for the open position.

Any board member may nominate a candidate for the board vice-president position.  If only one candidate is nominated, board members may call for the vote, or in the case of only one nomination, make a motion for nominations to cease and cast a unanimous ballot for the nominee. 

If more than one candidate is nominated, there should be a paper ballot for the open position.

Any board member may nominate a candidate for the board secretary position.  If only one candidate is nominated, board members may call for the vote, or in the case of only one nomination, make a motion for nominations to cease and cast a unanimous ballot for the nominee. 

If more than one candidate is nominated, there should be a paper ballot for the open position.

Any board member may nominate a candidate for the board treasurer position.  If only one candidate is nominated, board members may call for the vote, or in the case of only one nomination, make a motion for nominations to cease and cast a unanimous ballot for the nominee. 

If more than one candidate is nominated, there should be a paper ballot for the open position.

Board president's appointment for a delegate to vote at the representative assembly at the NASB State Convention.

In the past the board of education appointed Sally Jakub as recording secretary to record meeting minutes.

Committees will be appointed by the president of the board.  These committees are created for specific tasks of seeking information or investigation and will report back to the board for its consideration and action.  Committee action is considered to be advisory only.  The following committees are appointed at the annual board organizational meeting for one year.

Foundation Committee:  Responsible for working with the Schuyler Community Schools Foundation.  2 Members Required in Bylaws.  Foundation meets the first Monday of the month at 12:00 PM.  2017 Members:  Brian Vavricek and Virginia Semerad

Americanism, Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction:  Responsible for reviewing curriculum recommendations, textbook selection, staff requisitions and inventory.  This is the only committee required by law (79-724)  3 members required.  2017 Members:  Virginia Semerad, Holly Hild, Rich Brabec

Board Policy/Handbooks/Support Programs:  Responsible for annual review of board policies, handbooks, and safety/crisis plan. 2-3 members recommended.   2017 Members:  Virginia Semerad, Holly Hild, Rich Brabec

Public Relations/Strategic Planning/Calendar:  Responsible for recommending the annual district calendar, strategic planning process, and promoting positive public relations and communication.  2-3 members recommended.  2017 Members:  Virginia Semerad, Holly Hild, Rich Brabec

Building/Grounds/Transportation:  Responsible for recommending approval of the building and grounds and transportation programs, vehicle replacement schedule, building maintenance and upgrade schedule)  3 members recommended.  2017 Members:  Chuck Misek, Rich Brabec, Brian Vavricek

Budget/Finance/Negotiations:  Responsible for budget, finance, contract negotiations with administration, certificated staff negotiations and support staff contracts. 3 members recommended.  2017 Members:  Chuck Misek, Rich Brabec, Brian Vavricek
*  Special temporary committees of the Board, except as specified by statute, may be appointed by the president or chosen by a vote of the Board as needed.  The function of all such committees shall be fact-finding, deliberative and advisory, but never legislative or administrative.  When the specified purpose of all sub-committees appointed to conform to statute.  The superintendent shall be an ex-officio member of all such committees.

Attached is the required "potential" conflict of interest form to be completed by each board member and kept on file.  The form does not need to be completed at the meeting, but will need to be completed and returned to Sally to be kept in the board file. 

Attached is the code of ethics for school board members used in the past.  See attachment.

The transportation committee met and reviewed bids from Coach Masters and Nebraska Central Equipment on a 71 passenger used bus.  The proposed bus is a 2015 Blue Bird - Vision, 71 passenger, with 29,000 miles.  The Factory Engine and Transmission Warranty until 08/12/2019.  We are scheduled to trade the 1998 Bluebird, 65 passenger, Ford bus in 2018. 

The bus from Coach Masters was onsite on Thursday and the board transportation committee met and inspected the bus.

See attached bids and spec sheets for more information.

Samantha Kelly:  SES Classroom Teacher (Effective at the end of 2017-18 school year)

Maria Salvia Bazan:  SCHS Custodial/Housekeeper (Effective immediately)

Second Semester Replacement Teachers:

SCHS Physical Science:  Alexa Stephenson

SMS English/Language Arts:  Jill Hoesing

The negotiations committee is recommending extending the superintendent's contract as presented below:

In compliance with the superintendent Pay Transparency Act, the board of education will consider a two-year contract extension for Dr. Daniel J. Hoesing at their regular January board meeting.  The contract extends the current two-year contract (2017-18, 2018-19) for an additional year (2018-19, 2019-20).  The proposed contract includes a salary increase from $166,000 to $174,000.  All other contract provisions remain unchanged.  The proposed superintendent contract is attached below and posted on the lower right hand corner of the main district website at:   https://ne02214621.schoolwires.net/Page/307

Attached is the proposed draft of the 2018-19 school calendar.  The Board Public Relations Committee will review final staff recommendations and present the calendar for approval in February.

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

Traffic has been going real smooth this month

Teacher observations are going great!

Preschool 105       Kindergarten 134         1st 120               2nd 122         3rd 157        4th 128         5th 119

With it being a short month due to Christmas break there is not much on this report. I am sure next month will have much more.

K-2 Principal's Report:  Mr. Kovar

Our focus this month will be on preparing for our engagement review. February will begin my second round of formal observations, and beginning plans for preparing for the 2018-2019 school year. Things are going well, and I look forward to the next few months and working with my staff on their CliftonStrengths. 

Rural Schools Principal's Report:  Mr. Reinsch

Current Enrollment :  Richland - 29       Fishers - 73

                                        4            K          6

                                        3           1st       12

                                       3           2nd        6

                                       6           3rd       10

                                       4           4th       10

                                       1           5th       10

                                       8           6th        8

                                       0           7th        5

                                       0           8th        6

MAP Testing will be administered at Richland Jan. 17-19 and 25.

Fishers MAP Testing will be Jan. 22-26.

Mr. Burton's PE classes at both schools will be participating in Jump Rope For Heart from Jan. 22 - Feb. 9.

SMS Assistant Principal's Report:  Mr. Zavadil

Winter Map testing just finish completion and Mrs. Kment has worked hard to help make sure that the tests were administered to all students. 

The office staff is continuing our work to make sure that Capturing Kids’ Hearts protocols and relationship building practices are being used.  This is a great tool that has been helping our students thrive in an inviting environment.  The first semester is now completed along with our holiday music concerts, which were a big success.  Our band and choir sounded great! 

Our students appear to have had a restful holiday break, I can tell that students are in a great mindset to get back to work and the second semester start has been very smooth.

SMS Principal's Report:  Mrs. Burton

This month's SMS Students of the Month are:

6th Grade-Karen Alvarado, 7th Grade- Exaucee Kutalu, and 8th Grade-Janel Lopez.  They are excellent examples of students that display respectful behaviors, strong work ethic, and responsibility on a regular basis and at a high level!

SMS Enrollment

6^th Grade -131 students             7^th Grade -147 students

8^th Grade -123 students          Total SMS Students 401

Staff members at SMS have been busy!  After beginning the semester with the Gallup Clifton Strengths Training, we have been working with our R-Time students to identify our personality strengths.  This has led to excellent discussion within R-Time classes about future professions, as well as how to lead and participate in groups.

We are looking forward to beginning our Building Healthy Relationships Program for 8^th Graders at SMS.  This is provided through a partnership with CHI Schuyler and The Center for Survivors.  Weekly sessions will begin at the end of January.

Our NWEA MAP Benchmark tests in math, reading, language, and science will wrap up next week for our students.  Mrs. Kment, our guidance counselor, has done an excellent job organizing this process at SMS.  Our building school improvement team focused on the math results this past week at our monthly meeting. 

I would like to thank that community for excellent music concert attendance at SMS!  We had a full house for both our 6^th grade and combined 7^th/8^th grade events.  Your support and high expectations is imperative for the growth of our Warrior programs.

High School Assistant Principal's Report:  Mr Kasik

In School Suspensions are down and our Saturday School numbers are also going down.

We just completed a small ISS room renovation to help students focus while they are spending time In-School Suspension.

I continue to work with Ms. Pavel and Mrs. Marino on student attendance issues along with tardy reduction for our students. 

We continue to train our staff in Discovery Ed. Training within our building and I am seeing these strategies as well as APL improving our lessons.

SCHS Principal’s Report:  Mr. Gammer

The following four students were recognized for being the January Students of the Month.  The four students are 12^th grader-Vanessa Garcia; 11^th grader - Marisol Marino; 10^th grader - Jacquelin Escobar; and 9^th grader - Jocelyn Tena.  Congratulations to these four students for being recognized by their teachers and peers, for their hard work, dedication, and character.

Enrollment as of January 9th.:  Seniors—120;  Juniors-135;  Sophomores—165; Freshmen—150.   Total—570.

Our High School Art Teacher, Mr. Trotter, was awarded a grant through the Nebraska Arts Council.  The grant was for a visiting artist to come and work with our students for two weeks.  The visiting artist is Kim Darling from the Omaha area. This is a great project and opportunity or our art students at SCHS.   Over the two weeks they will work to complete murals at the new library in the children’s section.  Congratulations to Mr. Trotter.  Copy the script into your browser to see the video of the Program:  https://youtu.be/fgHCcgl7qSc

Our professional development opportunities are continuing throughout the second semester with Discovery Ed.  The trainings we have received already during the second semester have been very beneficial.  During our classroom observations I have seen our staff implementing the instructional strategies learned from Discovery Ed, especially with Project Based Learning.

Our classroom observations will continue for the remainder of the school year.  Both Mr. Kasik and I have seen improvement of instruction in the first semester in our classrooms.   Our new teachers are learning what we want to observe when we come to their classes.

We are continuing to prepare for our District School Improvement process.  Our Engagement Review is on January 28^th through the 31^st.  We are looking forward to the state visiting our district in January and having the opportunity to show our review team all the good programs and staff that we have at SCS.

Unfortunately, medical complications from child birth, caused our Physical Science teacher to not return for the second semester.  Fortunately, we were able to find a Science teacher to replace her.  Mrs. Alexa Stephenson is our new Physical Science Teacher.  We were fortunate to sign her and we welcome her to our district and SCHS.

Mr. Trotter and some of our art students will be entering their art work in the Scholastic Art Competition. Students 9 through 12 are able to compete in this competition.   We had 11 students medal last year and Mr. Trotter    hopes to double that number.  This is also the first year our students will compete in the Portfolio area.  In this area a student will 8 pieces of work addressing a theme and student statement.  Good luck to all of our students

After-School Program Director Report:  Ms. Bebout

Warrior Academy Attendance:

Elementary School - 240 Middle School - 52

Quarter 3 has started strong with new clubs and a few new workers.  

Warrior Academy will be participating in the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship competition January 19th at the Middle School Field House.

We sent 4th-8th grade students who attend the program to see the movie Coco at the Schuyler Theater!  The students loved the movie.

K-5 Youth Activities Director's Report:   Mr. Kovar

Basketball forms are pouring in. I will start dividing teams, assigning coaches, and working on building calendars for practices and games. More information will be available in February.

SMS Activities Director's Report:  Mr. Zavadil

Boys Basketball started up immediately with the first day of school in January, Mr. Evan’s organization and commitment has already been evident in the short time since he has taken the reigns as head MS basketball.  We have 55 athletes participating in boy’s basketball this year and our first game will be tomorrow Vs.  Central City.  Then we have a home game on Thursday Vs. Lakeview.  Our boys schedules are almost completely full with all teams getting close to 12 games which is the maximum allowed by Rule 10.

We have also wrapped up Girls Basketball and Wrestling and the head coaches and I have met to discuss possible improvements that we can make going into the next season.  I look forward to Mr. Kovar’s youth basketball leagues, we had a number of students turn in forms at the middle school and the students seem excited.

Mr. Kasik and I attended the national AD convention in Arizona last month and took away some very good information in building our coaching evaluation systems as well as ideas for growing programs from the conference.  The weather was very nice as well.

The Field-House has seen many students since the Holiday break has ended.  When I check the numbers in attendance the lowest numbers have been 15 at a time and the most has been about 50 attendees at a time.  This is great news and shows that the Field-House has been getting used in this colder weather.  We are anticipating even greater numbers when youth basketball gets into full swing.

SCHS Activities Director's Report:  Mr. Kasik

• Winter seasons are well underway.  Our Wrestling team currently has an 3-1 dual record and has been competing well at tournaments with  1^st, 2^nd 3^rd and 4^th place finishes.  Our Boys Basketball team is currently 3-6 and finished 3^rd  at our Holiday Tournament at Scotus. Our Girls Basketball team won its first game last week against Boys Town.  All our winter sports are competing hard and showing improvements.
• On Saturday, 1/13 we will host the Schuyler Wrestling Invite.  We will have 13 Varsity teams and 15 JV teams competing.  It is truly one of the premier invites in the state.
• We continue to have monthly athletic meetings to discuss issues with our teams.
• Our One-Act group represented us well at conference and districts.
• We are starting our Speech season with our first meet 1/13 at Wisner.  We have about 25 students currently competing in speech.
• On December 18^th we honored the the 1968 State Championship Boys BB team with a recognition at the game and a reception at the golf club following this.  (Mrs. Hall/Striv prepared a video, Mrs. Shonka assembled a historic program, Mrs. Brabec helped set up the lobby display, and Mrs. Balak and the foundation also assisted with the invitation and reception.)
• On Wednesday, 1/10 Mr. Zavadil and I attended the second NSAA meeting of the year at Boys Town to vote on approved bylaw changes.
• We continue to compile strategic plan items to direct our focus for improvement in our activity and sport programs.
• Mr. Zavadil and I recently attended the National AD Conference in Phoenix.  During that time be attended sessions and are planning some of these changes for the future.

Special Education Director's Report:  Mrs. Vrba

Current special education students served:

Birth to 5: 34 (with 8 more pending)        SES: 106  (with 4  more pending) Rural: 13           SMS: 49         SCHS: 39        Parochial Schools: 6           Total: 247  (with 12 more pending) *We do have one student attending school in Olathe, KS.

As shared earlier, our NDE On-Site Compliance Review Visit was a very positive and rewarding adventure. We have already corrected our one missed component of a student's IEP and resubmitted it for approval with the NDE.

From the workshop entitled, "Oppositional, Defiant, and Disruptive Children and Adolescents: Non-medication Approaches to the Most Challenging Behaviors" that I attended in Kearney, I am empowering parents with information and strategies for their "parenting toolkit"! It is so gratifying to be able to help parents who are reaching out for help!

On January 10th, April, our school psych, and I will be meeting with our SAT coordinators to discuss the progress of students on the SAT process. We need to make the decision whether to dismiss from SAT because of their level of success or refer them on for initial SPED testing! (April might be extremely busy testing this spring because just at SES, there are 51 students that have written SAT plans.)

Director of Teaching and Learning Report:  Dr. Gibbons

2017 - 2018 State Assessments - We will be starting the assessments soon.  Dates of the assessments are as follows:

• ELPA - Feb. 5 - March 16, 2018
• NSCAS ELA, Math, Science - March 19 - May 4, 2018
• ACT - April 3, 2018 (Make-up date April 24)

School Improvement Grant -  Here is a recap of December/January in-service at SCHS.  Judy and Suzanne of Discovery Ed were here January 3 and worked with the whole staff.  They spent time on being leaders in the building, talking about change and having a positive school culture and climate.  Dacia Jones of Discovery comes in and works with some teachers on instituting project based learning.  Here is a message she sent us:

Thanks for a great two days at Schuyler. I stayed pretty busy and here is our recap:

• Modeled Digital Breakouts in Drey and Brandi's Classroom

• Planned with Brandi for her 4th quarter El Salvador PBL

• Planned with Liz on her upcoming Book Talk Projects

• Had conversations with Trey and Amber about projects

• Met with Michael about his Art Project with Nebraska Art Council and his new artist-in-residence

• Filmed a movie trailer on the PBL Art Project https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=fgHCcgl7qSc

• Planned with and for new Physical Science Teacher, Alexa Stephenson- I planned for about 4 hours on Monday night and created her several content folders for her standards. I also met with her during her planning periods. I spoke with John Sayer about the plan to get his feedback. I feel that she is going to be amazing but we need to support her. She will not be able to cover the entire year in 4 months (no one could) but I pulled the power standards that will help make her students successful for next year and she is going to use those.

• I wrote 4 grants- Google Translate Headphones for Clarissa, ISTE Conference for Mary, Books and Engineering Kits for Drey, and Books for Brandi.

• Schuyler has received the following Donors Choose grants this year- Cricut Machine for Mary, Books for Drey, Books and supplies for Brandi, Rube Goldbergs for Alison.

Accreditation - Just a reminder that the Accreditation Engagement Review will take place January 28 - 31.  The team will want to interview board members.  We have set up those interviews for lunch time and lunch will be provided.  I need three people to come at noon and three to come at 12:30 pm for the interviews.  They will be in the LMC Annex.
January 3 In-service - This in-service went well.  We learned about ourselves and how to apply our strengths.  We will continue using this information to build a more collaborative and collegial environment in our schools.

1.   GNSA Membership Meeting:  January 17 @ 9:30 AM at the NCSA Office in Lincoln.  Lunch with senators to follow at the NSEA Office.

2.  Community Leaders Meeting:  January 22nd @ 5:30 PM at the high school music room.  You should have received an email with all the meeting information.

3.  Advance Ed. Accreditation Visit:  The District is scheduled for an accreditation visit on January 28th through January 31st.  Dr. Gibbons will be sending you the information on your role and interview times with the visitation team.

4.  Legislative Bill Summary:  Attached is the 2018 Legislative Bill Summary as of January 9th.  See attached information

Minutes from January 2018 Foundation Meeting

Members present:  Brian, Dan, Lumir, Sandy & Joyce

Members absent:  Virginia & Victor

Others Present:  Shelley & Sheri

Brian called the meeting to order

Brian read the Vision and Mission Statement and goals

Secretary Report/Minutes were reviewed and approved as submitted

Treasurer’s Report was reviewed and approved as submitted

Committee Reports

Labor Day- Brian, Victor, Virginia & Sandy

·     Sandy needs a deposit ck for $250 for Lemon Fresh Day

·     Brian also brought up the discussion of reinstating the basketball tournament which members suggested doing a 3 on 3 tournament organized by school administrators

Scholarships- Sandy & Lumir

·     Foundation received a check from the Rotary Club for $4,000 to be used as a 1- $500 scholarship for 8 years

·     Committee will get together and set up an application and send to Amy Johnson to review

Education- Lumir & Brian

·     2^nd quarter certificates were presented by Brian and Jackie from the chamber office on Jan. 3^rd at a Professional Development Day

PR/Communications- Dan, Sandy, Sheri & Virginia

·     Members to look at the commons area to decide how the alumni wall will be set up

Alumni Honors Committee- Joyce & Sheri

·     The committee will start making calls and contacts to find nominees for this year

·     Sheri gave report on the 50 year boy’s basketball celebration held in Dec. and reception at the golf club, details were submitted and forwarded to members

·     A motion was made by Brian and 2^nd by Lumir to pay the $265 bill from the caterer Janis Kasik vote taken and motion carried

Fundraising- Sandy & Holly

·     Sandy discussed needing someone to be in charge the day of the Annual Golf Tournament which is August 4, 2018 since she will be gone for a family wedding

School Facilities- Dan, Joyce & Holly

·     Dan gave a brief update to the projects at SCHS and the planned landscaping that will be done.

·     Suggestion made to take a group to Winnebago to view their theater

Brian brought up the Annual meeting should be held in February 2018 will keep the regular scheduled meeting on Feb. 5^th and possibly set a time for a work night in late Feb.

Election of officers and suggested to align with the results from the strategic plan

Dan suggested that members attend the community leaders meeting being held on Jan. 22^nd at SCHS band room starting at 5:30 pm Brian said he would let Victor know about the meeting

Meeting adjourned

Next meeting is February 5, 2018 at noon at the Schuyler High School Superintendent’s Office