April 15, 2019 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: 

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

Rationale:  Cody Wickham, representative from DA Davidson,  is planning on being at the meeting with the documents to sign and to answer any questions board members may have about the proposed sale of the bonds.  See attached resolution.

Rationale:  Holly Hild, representative from Agri-City Insurance Agency, LLC met with Penny Janousek and I to review the district insurance renewal premiums with EMC for the 2019-2020 school year.  See attached renewal summary and property value changes.
 

Rationale: 
1.  Mollie Maresh:  SCHS Vocational Agriculture Teacher
2.  Christina Bywater:  SMS Music Teacher
3.  Abigale Hammernik:  SES Teacher
4.  Rachel DeWitt:  Preschool Teacher
5.  Jill Sorsen:  SCHS Special Education Teacher

 

Rationale: 
1.  Kay Johnson:  SMS Social Studies Teacher (Early Retirement Request)
3.  Marvine Koliha:  Fisher's Para Educator
4.  Denise Cech:  SES Para Educator
 

Rationale: 
1.  Danielle Tilley:  SCHS Language Arts Teacher
2.  Karylee LeSuer: Preschool Special Education Teacher
3.  Blanca Alarcon:  SCHS Spanish Teacher
4.  Amanda Richards:  SMS Language Arts Teacher
5.  Maria Bonilla: Dual Language 2nd Grade Teacher
6.  Lydia Quiring:  SCHS Language Arts Teacher 
7. James Kaiser:  SMS Social Studies Teacher
8.  Adam Robinson:  SES Classroom Teacher
9.  Shala Ostberg:  SES Classroom Teacher

1.  Kristi Theilen:  SMS Para Educator

Rationale:  The Nebraska Continuing contract law automatically renews contracts for all certificated employees (teachers and administrators) on April 15th.  All teachers who have not resigned or notified of non-renewal or termination are on the list for renewal.  See attached list.

Rationale: 
Preschool/Grades 3-5 Principal's Report:  Mr. Comley
Staff Member Spotlight:  I would like to highlight Laurie Schlautman our librarian. Mrs. Schlautman has done a wonderful job not only running the library but working with students in the computer lab. Mrs. Schlautman has also worked really hard to keep our library updated with the most current books. Mrs. Schlautman has continued to be a team player and do whats best for SES and the community of Schuyler. 

Elementary Grades K-2 Principal's Report:  Mr. Kovar
Program/Staff Member Spotlight:  I would like to highlight the work of first year art teacher Hope Pedersen. Hope is doing a great job of teaching art here at the Elementary, and getting kids excited about it. The projects are amazing, and she brings such a positive attitude and personality to teaching the kids about art. It was a great decision to add this to our Specials rotation, and Hope was definitely the right person for the job. We are so happy to have her, and look forward to her continuing to build the program.

Dual Language, Fisher’s, & Richland Principal's Report:  Ms. Bebout
Program/Staff Member Spotlight:  Marvine Koliha is a paraeducator at Fisher’s Elementary School.  She works with students in reading and math. Marvine helps students become more fluent readers.   She helps teachers in supporting them with their students in the classroom. She also does many other duties in our school and is a vital staff member.  Marvine’s greatest joy is to see the students she has worked with over the years after they have grown up and the accomplishments they have had in their personal lives.
Marvine was born in Stanton, Nebraska.  She lived in Stanton for two years and has spent the rest of her time in Colfax County!  She was married to Allen Koliha and has two children Dan & Annette. Marvine worked at District #47 for 2 ½ years, but her major accomplishment is her 43 years working at Fisher’s Elementary School.   Marvine is retiring in May. She has had a major impact on countless student’s lives. I cannot begin to say thank you enough to her for her dedication to our district!!!

MIddle School Assistant Principal's Report:  Mr. Zavadil
Staff Member Spotlight:  I would like to recognize Mrs. Hall.  She is the SMS Media Specialist as well as our broadcasting and yearbook teacher.  The work that the students create within her program is high quality, and the strong relationships that she builds with our students models what we want to see through the Capturing Kid’s Hearts process.
Notable Event:  I would like to recognize how well our staff responded after the flood and how they have come together numerous times throughout this school to support each other through tough times.  During and after the flood many of our staff spent many extra hours helping each other and offering support to the community.  Special thanks to Dr. Hoesing, Mrs. Bebout, and Dr. Gibbons for the time and effort during the flood.  Another thanks to Dr. Lefdal for his support after the loss of a student this past week.
 

Middle School's Principal's Report:  Mrs. Burton
While I could highlight several staff members and programs throughout SMS, I would like to give special attention to Mrs. Brenda Klein’s high needs special education room at SMS.  I regularly am told just how great our program at SMS is by our outside service providers, but I know that the leadership and collaboration that takes place day in and out by the following people are second to none:  Mrs. Brenda Klein, Mrs. Geralyn Shannon, Mrs. Margarita Avalos, Mrs. Kelsey Yosten, Mrs. Missy Korth, Mrs. Bertha Juarez
These women make a significant different in the lives of the students in their room, as well as our entire building.  They are true example of kind servant leaders.  I am incredibly grateful for their gifts, and I look forward to continuing to witness our program grow under Mrs. Klein’s strong facilitation skills.
We also just completed our 8th Grade College Access Visit.  Mrs. Kment applied for the Education Quest grant that partially funded the trip.  Students were able to attend UNO and Metro Community College.  Both experiences were fruitful and will lead to a higher level of interest in post-secondary options.  

Notable Upcoming Events: 
April 23th-SMS Track Meet-No School for Students
April 29th-6th and 8th Grade Orientation
May 7th-Middle School Bandfest
May 10th-Athletic Awards-early release for students
May 14th-Academic Honors and Awards Night
May 17th-8th Grade Graduation
Thank you to the parents and community members that came to Parent Teacher Conferences!  We did have a 75% rate for Parent-Teacher Conferences.  Several students went out of town for the week, but we were still able to maintain 100% contact with all parents by phone, email, or a personalized note home from R-Time teachers.

High School Assistant Principal's Report:  Jim Kasik
Program/Staff Member Spotlight:  Alexa Stephenson is in her 2^nd year here at SCHS.  She began her career at Schuyler as a Transitional Science teacher.  During this time she has become an outstanding educator.  She works very hard with our students and pushes them to be their best.  She grew up in Florida and attended University of Florida and now is a transitional student finishing classes through UNK.  She is married to Ethan her husband.  She says that the best part of teaching in Schuyler is:  "The people here, students and staff!  They are great people to work with."
Topics to mention:  reVISION meeting set for April 16^th, KLK consultants here April 12,15,16, 29,30.

High School Principal's Report:  Mr. Grammer
Program Spotlight:  Our high school has for the past few years worked hard to have a solid, strong, viable Quiz Bowl Team.  This year thee team has had a very successful season.  Mr. Sayer our chemistry/Physics teacher is the sponsor for our Quiz Bowl Team.  The members of the Quiz team are:  Kasey Brabec, Chloe Beltrand, Connor Bywater, Preston Anderson, Pietro Caligiana, Anna Misakyan, Bradyn Rocha, Maria Semerad, Jessica Jaimes, Nolan Healy, Vance Sayer, Julian Castello. Brenda Romo, Travis Marxsen, and Ivana Lopez. The team started off with a bang by our team taking First at the Wayne State Quiz bowl competition.  There were 65 teams there. On April 8^th our SCHS won radio the KTCH Quiz Bowl.  We beat out 61 other teams and the team consisted:  Connor Bywater, Preston Anderson, and Pietro Caliagana were on the team and I was the coach.  Mr. Sayer has done a great job of growing this program and it has become a successful program.

Staff Member Spotlight:  The staff member to be recognized for their work in the high school this month is Mrs. Mandy Yosten. Mrs. Yosten has been a Language Arts Teacher and a Dual Credit Instructor, in our district for the past eight years and all those years at the high school. She received her Bachelors degree and Masters degrees from the University of Nebraska-Kearney, in Language Arts.  Mrs. Yosten serves on our School Improvement Committee an is the Co-Chair for that committee. She is also overseeing and supervising our MAPP and Renaissance assessment programs.  She is has taken on the responsibility of being our National Honor Society Sponsor.  With two children at home, Cayden (3 years old) and Avery (1 year old), she still comes to school with energy and enthusiasm.  She always comes to school with a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
Event Highlight:  On Monday, April 8^th our FCCLA team competed at the FCCLA State competition.  We had two students Place 2^nd at the contest.  The two students are: Melissa Escobar and Vanessa Serrano.  Congratulations to Melissa, Vanessa, and Mr. Severson for a job well done at State.
 

Rationale: 
After School Director's Report:  Ms. Bebout
Program/Staff Member Highlight:  Kathy Moran has worked at Warrior Academy (the elementary after-school program) for five years, since the program began.  Kathy has the incredible ability to build relationships with students and coworkers. The clubs she has taught over the last five years have been inventive, hands-on clubs that students love being in.  Kathy makes everyone feel equally special. This year she has stepped up to help in the kitchen, working with parents, and decorating our area! We would be lost without her!
Kathy moved to Schuyler from Los Angeles when she was four years old and has lived in Schuyler since.  She graduated from Schuyler High School. Kathy has attended CCC since she graduated and will get her associates degree in May!!!  She will continue her college education and wants to get a degree in Early Childhood. Her goal is to one day teach her own kindergarten class!!  I want to thank Kathy for her love for children and all of her hard work and dedication to our program!

Youth Sports Director's Report:  Mr. Kovar
Program Spotlight:  I would like to again highlight the work of JR Svatora, and Sara Sock, as we go through this transition year with youth soccer. JR has been a huge help, guiding me through this process, and physically helping me whenever I need it. Sara runs our Facebook page, which we use for communication. As soon as I send her a message, it is posted and ready for parents to see! It is another great example of how people in this community work together try and do what is best for kids. 

Middle School Activities Director's Report:  Mr. Zavadil
Program Spotlight:  Our 7^th grade boys track team got off to a strong start winning the Wisner invite.  Our track program has 127 students participating.  Our track coaches work very hard to organize and develop these students and we have many talented athletes doing well.  Our home invitational will take place on Tuesday April 23^rd and our SMS staff  and track coaches always do a great job with this. 

High School Activities Director's Report: Jim Kasik
Program/Staff Member Spotlight:   Scott Petersen is in his second year at SCHS.  He brings a wealth of experience with him, as he has taught Charter, Iowa, Laurel-Concord/Coleridge and Creighton, Nebraska.  He grew up on a farm near Rockwell, Iowa and attended Waldorf Junior College as well as Dana College.  His wife Stephanie is the Superintendent in Leigh and they have two children Tyler- a teacher at Laurel-Concord/Coleridge MS and a daughter Sadie who is a senior at UNK graduating with a Bus/Com. Degree.  Mr. Petersen says the best part of teaching in Schuyler is:  "Working with the students and getting to know them."
Topics to mention:  Recently wrapped up Speech with a District Runner-Up finish as well as Kasey Brabec placing 3^rd in Humerous  and Kasey and Chloe Beltrand placing 5^th in Duet at the State meet.- Great job!! We have District Music  on Fri./Sat. April 12 and 13^th at CCC.  On 4/18 we will be hosting our Fred Arnold Memorial Track Invite.  Jr/Sr Prom is April 27^th and 8^th grade visitation is scheduled for April 29^th.

Student Services Director's Report:  Dr. Lefdal
Program Spotlight:  I would like to spotlight the boy’s soccer program under the direction of Mr. Beebe, Mr. Thumann, and Mr. Anderson.  Although they are a young team, the athlete’s energy, skill set, and teamwork is exciting to watch. I believe Schuyler Boy’s Soccer will have many great years ahead of them.

Notable Topics:  Dr. Hoesing was truly remarkable during the flooding that we had take place last month.  He worked diligently alongside Ms. Bebout, and Dr. Gibbons and a host of other volunteers to show how supportive and caring Schuyler Community Schools is and how great of a team we have at the administrative level.
Looking ahead:  I will be helping supervise prom and I am excited to see all of our students participating in Prom 2019!  It is always great to see everyone dressed up and having fun on the dance floor. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to put together a great night for our students.

Special Education Director's Report:  Mrs. Vrba
Special Education Department Spotlight:  What a crazy but exciting time of year!! Numerous SAT referrals came in during the last month and testing has begun. We would like to get that all finished up so students may hit the floor running in the fall! I would like to thank Kari, Bri, Lexi, Lori, Pat, and Jill for all their hard work to ensure success for our students.  We would like to be wrapping up the hiring process within the week! I am excited about our new hires but most excited about having men as role-models for our male SPED population!
Program Spotligh:  Schuyler Middle School High Needs Team! With the death of our precious little Galilea Delacruz, Brenda, Margarita, Bertha, Geralyn, Kelsey and Missy were there for our students with hugs and comforting words! The strong bond of relationships helped pull this group of special students and educators through the tough times. "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen nor touched, but are felt in the heart, hope is grief's best music!" You are our hope!!

Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction Director's Report:  Dr. Gibbons
Staff Member Spotlight - I would like to thank Katie Bertrand for her work on setting up the ACT at the high school.  She organized the John Baylor Test Prep classes and made sure that everything was in place on the day of the test to have a successful testing experience.
Assessment Update - The state assessments are well under way.  High school juniors took the ACT April 2. All students in grades 3-8 must take the NSCAS Math and Reading Assessments.  Students in 5th and 8th grade also take the NSCAS Science. We will not see the scores until next year.  We will finish the year with a MAP assessment and a quick STAR 360 so that we may determine growth scores for our students.  We will use these scores to develop school improvement action plans.
Notable Event - The Nebraska Reading Improvement Act goes into effect next school year.  I’ve attached the actual text of the law to this meeting. In a nutshell, this law requires us to assess students three times a year on an approved assessment. (We already use the approved assessments).  We are required to provide an intervention for any students who perform below a set threshold on the approved assessment. This supplemental reading intervention program must be implemented during regular school hours and include a summer reading program.  I have attached a draft of the plan for your knowledge.
New Program: I wanted to tell you about a recent Title III purchase that we made.  Title III is a federal program that assists in the education of students with limited English proficiency.  This program is called Ellevation. It is a comprehensive data platform that allows teachers the ability to see individual student data and instructional needs.  It has also significantly increased our efficiency in that parent notification letters can be generated at the touch of a button and teacher can quickly fill out monitoring forms online.  We also have the "instruction" feature that gives teachers detailed instructional strategies for meeting the needs of our EL students.

Rationale:  Program/Staff Member Spotlight:  Jeff Droge, Technology Director, continually goes above and beyond the requirements of his job.  He and his staff manage several thousand devices, networks, and communication systems throughout the school district.  During the recent flooding, Mr. Droge coordinated communication efforts across our community for the school district, City of Schuyler, and Colfax County.  We are now looking for ways to expand our communication system beyond our parents to include community patrons wanting to have access to this information.  This is an exciting time for us to utilize our present systems to expand emergency information to the entire community.
Region III Assistant Principal of the Year:  Congratulations to Jim Kasik on his recent award of Region III Assistant Principal of the Year.
Region III Middle School Principal of the Year:  Congratulations to Michelle Burton on her recent award of Region III Middle School Principal of the year.

Rationale:  See Foundation Webpage for Agenda, Finance Report, Meeting Minutes, etc...