May 12, 2014 at 5:30 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:
President Jedlicka called the meeting to order. Others present at the meeting were Superintendent Dr. Hoesing, Principals Pavlik, Comley, Grammer, and Vrba, and Curriculum Director Gibbons.
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I.A. Pledge of Allegiance
Discussion:
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.
Discussion:
President Jedlicka declared the open meeting notice had been posted prior to the meeting and was open to the public.
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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
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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. Budget
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IV.A.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve the technology purchases for the 2014-15 school year.
Rationale:
Jeff Droge has prepared his summer order for staff and computer lab updates. He is in the process of negotiating prices and will have his order ready on Monday. I have attached the adopted technology budget reflecting the balance. Since this order is fairly significant, I told Jeff we should have board approval prior to submitting his order. Attached is the technology budget for your review. I will attach the technology order from Mr. Droge as soon as he has it completed. See attachments
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the 2014-15 technology upgrade for staff and computer labs 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.A.2. Discuss, consider and take action on the district property and casualty insurance (including the worker's compensation)provided by EMC represented by the Schuyler Agri-City Insurance.
Rationale:
Attached is information regarding the renewal of our district insurance plan. The starting May 15th, 2014 and ending May 14th, 2015. Ronnie Mundil and Dr. Hoesing met with Steve Baily to review facilities, automobiles, and liability coverage included in the policy. We adjusted some of the auto coverages on the high mileage vehicles and trailers. We also recommend keeping the terrorism coverage, as it can only be removed from some of the coverage areas. We will continue to work on our safety plan and training as our mod rate is a little high due to the number of work related injuries over the past several years. See attached information.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the district property and casualty insurance (including the worker's compensation)provided by EMC represented by the Schuyler Agri-City Insurance. 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:
Adjustments were made to reduce the insurance premium such as changing coverage on older vehicles to liability insurance only. There was discussion held on lowering the deductible for hail damage claims.
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IV.B. Building and Grounds
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IV.B.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve 2014 building and grounds plan.
Rationale:
Thank you to the board members who were able to make it to the preschool school/community meeting. While there were not many people in attendance, we did our best to advertise the meeting and the paper has done a good job of taking this information to the public to keep them informed.
Included in this report are itemized upgrades and costs for each project. We are waiting for information from JEO Consulting on the elementary traffic solution. That is why the vestibules are rated a 3 to make sure we stay within the projected costs for summer projects. Ronnie has done an excellent job of preparing this information and inputting the data into the system. Attached is the detailed report of the 2014 building and grounds proposal. It includes upgrades to each building including the preschool building and the rental house. See attachment.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve 2014 building and grounds 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.
Attachments:
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IV.C. Transportation
Discussion:
A ten-year plan was presented by Ron Mundil for upgrades and improvements to SCS property. The plan included pictures of areas scheduled for improvements and costs.
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IV.C.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve the transportation plan including the 2014 and 2015 vehicle replacement schedule.
Rationale:
Attached is the vehicle replacement plan for 2014 and 2015. The program includes a list of present vehicles and a proposed schedule for replacement.
The plan was adjusted as a result of Bus 02 catching fire in March. The insurance company totaled the bus and we will be receiving a check for $5,000.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the transportation plan including the 2014 and 2015 vehicle replacement schedule. 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:
A schedule was shared containing information on all vehicles owned by SCS detailing the age of the vehicle, mileage, cost of replacement, and a projected year of replacement to 2027.
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IV.D. Curriculum
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IV.D.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve the 2014 textbook update proposal
Rationale:
Mr. Gibbons has been working with principals and teachers on coordinating a curriculum review and textbook cycle. Attached is the 2014 recommendation for new materials and textbooks. As soon as the inventories are completed we will add the cost of replacement consumable (workbooks) materials to the list.
They are also working on a master plan that will coordinate our curriculum update and textbook replacement cycle. The curriculum committee of the board will review this document and make adjustments annually to this program to accommodate new classes and adjust the schedule where necessary. See attached curriculum and textbook document.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the 2014 Curriculum update and textbook replacement 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:
A cycle has been established for replacement of textbooks and consumables in order to better plan for upcoming expenses. Requisitions were due on 5/12/14 from teachers for 2014-2015 classroom requests.
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IV.E. Negotiations
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IV.E.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve the negotiation committee's recommendation on support staff contracts for the 2014-15 school year.
Rationale:
The board's negotiation's committee met to review support staff contracts and adjust wages for the 2014-15 school year. Our current agreement allows for a 10 cent longevity increase for returning employees. Based on our comparison with surrounding districts, the committee is recommending a 55 cent increase along with the longevity increase for a total of 65 cents per hour across the board (4.26% increase). This increase is equivalent to the percent increase for teachers. See attached detailed information.
In addition, the negotiations committee also recommended increasing substitute teacher pay from $120 per day to 125 per day.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the negotiation committee's recommendation to set support staff and substitute teacher salaries 2014-15 school year 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:
Support staff wages were increased by 65 cents per hour and substitute teacher pay was increased by $5 to $125 per day. Substitute teacher pay had not been adjusted for three years.
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IV.E.2. Discuss, consider and take action to set wages for support staff working in summer school and summer food service programs.
Rationale:
At our regular monthly food service meeting, staff raised concerns about summer wages for food service employees. There was some communication about all food service support staff paid at their regular salaries or paid a flat rate. This discussion also led to an expanded discussion about support staff wages for para-educators working in the summer school program. Teacher wages are set at $18 per hour and Special Education Teachers are set at $20 per hour.
I explained that the board of education sets wages for employees, and that I did not feel comfortable setting any wages other than the wage set by the board of education. The question is, do we pay regular wages for summer work, or does the board want to set a common wage for work in the summer school and food service programs? We recommend a common wage for food service and para-educators working in the summer programs. Both programs are paid from generated program funds. Food Service: $11.50 per hour Para-Educators: $13.00 per hour
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Wages for summer employees were set as the following: Teachers - $18 per hour; Para Educators - $13 per hour; SPED Educators - $20 per hour; Food Service - $11.50 per hour; and part time summer workers who are not already a SCS employee - $8 per hour.
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IV.F. Public Relations
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IV.F.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve patron request to support community housing position.
Rationale:
The City of Schuyler received a grant for $30,000 a year, for three years, to partially support a position for a community housing position. The City Council has approved the community housing director position to improve/expand housing in Schuyler. Kem Cavanah has requested support from various businesses in Schuyler to support this position.
The City Council has made a 3-year commitment of $10,000 per year, Cargill has a 3 year commitment of $7,500 per year, Pinnacle Bank committed in-kind (Office Space) $7,200 for 3 years, Balance is $5,300 per year to be fully funded. Mr. Cavanah will be at the meeting to discuss support and/or participation from the school district in this program.
Discussion:
The school board took no action on this item. The consensus was that SCS already offers a bonus to new teachers or administrators who choose to move into the school district. In addition, renovation is taking place on a house SCS owns that will be rented to a SCS employee.
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IV.G. Personnel
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IV.G.1. Discuss, consider, and take action to accept staff resignations.
Rationale:
The board of education has the following resignations to consider: See attached resignations.
Linda Knapp: Elementary Para-Educator - Retiring Rosita Krauel: First Grade Teacher Lindsey Hofpar: Elementary PE Teacher Because of the continuing contract law, Rosita and Lindsay must ask for release from their 2014-15 contract.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to accept resignations as presented and release Lindsey Hofpar and Rosita Krauel from their 2014-15 contracts. 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:
Resignations were accepted from Linda Knapp - Elementary Para-Educator, who is retiring;
Rosita Krauel - First Grade Teacher; and
Lindsey Hofpar - Elementary PE Teacher.
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IV.G.2. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve new hire administrative recommendations
Rationale:
HS SPED: Jill Sorsen
HS ELL: Clarissa Eloge HS Business: Robbi McKenney HS Social Studies: Seth Paesl HS Science: Elizabeth Hellbusch HS Math: Trever Reeh Alt. Ed SPED: Tim Henry First Grade: Amanda Moseman First Grade: Emily Pishny Fifth Grade: Eryn Mertins Elem SPED: Caitlin Fett Elem SPED: Michelle Fry Elem PE: Molly Kroupa Early Childhood SPED: Lindsay Ferguson
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve administrative recommendation to offer contracts to new teachers 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 board approved the new 14-15 employees: HS SPED: Jill Sorsen
HS ELL: Clarissa Eloge
HS Business: Robbi McKenney
HS Social Studies: Seth Paesl
HS Science: Elizabeth Hellbusch
HS Math: Trever Reeh
Alt. Ed SPED: Tim Henry
First Grade: Amanda Moseman
First Grade: Emily Pishny
Fifth Grade: Eryn Mertins
Elem SPED: Caitlin Fett
Elem SPED: Michelle Fry
Elem PE: Molly Kroupa
Early Childhood SPED: Lindsay Ferguson
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IV.G.3. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve teaching assignments for the 2014-15 school year.
Rationale:
Attached is a breakdown of the recommended 2014-15 teacher assignments at each building. See attachment.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve administrator recommendations on 2014-15 teacher assignments 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.
Attachments:
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IV.G.4. Discuss, consider, and take action to open the middle school principal position as required by the School Improvement Grant (SIG)
Rationale:
(d) Transformation model: A transformation model is one in which an LEA implements each of the following strategies: (1) Developing and increasing teacher and school leader effectiveness. (i) Required activities. The LEA must-- (A) Replace the principal who led the school prior to commencement of the transformation model; (B) Use rigorous, transparent, and equitable evaluation systems for teachers and principals that-- (1) Take into account data on student growth (as defined in this notice) as a significant factor as well as other factors such as multiple observation-based assessments of performance and ongoing collections of professional practice reflective of student achievement and increased high school graduations rates; and (2) Are designed and developed with teacher and principal involvement; (C) Identify and reward school leaders, teachers, and other staff who, in implementing this model, have increased student achievement and high school graduation rates and identify and remove those who, after ample opportunities have been provided for them to improve their professional practice, have not done so; (D) Provide staff ongoing, high-quality, job-embedded professional development (e.g., regarding subject-specific pedagogy, instruction that reflects a deeper understanding of the community served by the school, or differentiated instruction) that is aligned with the school’s comprehensive instructional program and designed with school staff to ensure they are equipped to facilitate effective teaching and learning and have the capacity to successfully implement school reform strategies; and (E) Implement such strategies as financial incentives, increased opportunities for promotion and career growth, and more flexible work conditions that are designed to recruit, place, and retain staff with the skills necessary to meet the needs of the students in a transformation school. (ii) Permissible activities. An LEA may also implement other strategies to develop teachers’ and school leaders’ effectiveness, such as-- (A) Providing additional compensation to attract and retain staff with the skills necessary to meet the needs of the students in a transformation school; (B) Instituting a system for measuring changes in instructional practices resulting from professional development; or (C) Ensuring that the school is not required to accept a teacher without the mutual consent of the teacher and principal, regardless of the teacher’s seniority. * See attached document for detailed requirements of the grant.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to direct the superintendent to open the middle school principal position and conduct the search process. 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. Foundation Report
Rationale:
SCHUYLER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Membership: Lumir Jedlicka-Treasurer, Brian Vavricek- President, Virginia Semerad, Joyce Baumert, Sandy Seckman- Vice President, Victor Lopez, and Dan Hoesing Guests - Lora Johnson – Chamber Executive Director -Kem Cavanah – Economic Development Coordinator -Shelley Friesz – sfriesz@esu7.org – 402-352-3527 Ext 216 – Foundation Assistant -Sheri Balak – sheribalak@gmail.com – Alumni Honors consultant Vision: To support the enrichment of educational programs and student life experiences Goals: -To promote education in Schuyler Community Schools -Additional giving of $100,000 by August 31st, 2014 -Conduct feasibility study on possible new construction at high school building Secretary Report/Minutes – Review and Approve (refer minutes e-mailed by Shelley Friesz – April 7, 2014) Treasurer’s Report – unofficial total balance $115,037 · Check sent to Micheal Doernaman for $146.25 Committee Reports:
· Performing Arts Center- Sandy, Joyce and Virginia Next Meeting –June 2, 2014 @ 12:00 Noon @ the Schuyler Chamber Office
Discussion:
A decision was made to increase the number of scholarships awarded to distinguished scholars from five to six. The Gold Mine Restaurant will host a Distinguished Alumni dinner on May 18.
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V.B. Rural/Satellite Schools Report
Rationale:
Rural School Teaching/Admin. Assignments and Enrollment Numbers for 2014-15
Richland K-1 Denise Stevenson 3-7 (10) 2-3-4 Cindee Wachter 4-7-3 (14) 5-6-7 Kristi Benck 4-9-2 (15) Total (39) Fishers K–1 Cindy Vacha 7-14 (21) 2-3 Jennie Stutzman 6-12 (18) 4-5 Jenny Hamernik 11-10 (21) 6-7-8 Corinne Mueller 6-1-4 (11) Total (71) Special Ed. Liz Mallory Admin/Music Gerald Reinsch
Discussion:
Expected enrollment for the 14-15 year for Richland School is 39 students and for Fishers #24 is 71 students.
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V.C. Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment
Rationale:
School Improvement – During our External Visit in the fall of 2012, we were given three required actions. Within two years of the visit, we are to file an Accreditation Progress Report. That report is finished and attached for your reference. Standards/Assessment/Accountability – The window for completing state tests closed on Friday, May 9th. I am anticipating that we will have a 100% participation rate. That’s impressive considering that we had two new students enter the last week and a half of testing. We also completed our last round of DIBELS, a reading test given to students in grades K-5. As you recall, next year the MAP Assessment will replace the DIBELS and the Terra Nova, streamlining our assessments and data gathering.
Discussion:
Standards/Assessment/Accountability – The window for completing state tests closed on Friday, May 9th and we are anticipating a 100% participation rate.
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V.D. Activities Administrator Report
Rationale:
*Hiring of coaching/sponsor staff is almost complete.
*Schedules for next year are almost compete. *First round of free physicals went well. On Tuesday night, is the second round. *Schuyler was proud to host district boys soccer along with sub-state boys soccer. *Monday night is activities award night and on Tuesday is academic night. Both events begin at 7 pm.
Discussion:
Alegent-Creighton Health offered free sports physicals at SCHS to 8th, 10th, and 11th graders on May 7th and to 7th and 9th graders on May 13th.
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V.E. Director of Facilities/Transportation Report
Rationale:
TO: Schuyler Community Board High School Repaired motor for air handler unit and computer cart, replaced thermostat in the conference room, replaced garbage disposal, repaired oven warmer in kitchen and the ice machine in the west gym concession Middle School Repaired heat in classroom #308, computer cart and gym lights, replaced bearings on exhaust fan motor, installed new ice machine in kitchen Elementary School Repaired air conditioner in cafeteria, roof top unit #21, garbage disposal and spray rinse in kitchen Preschool General maintenance; replaced hot water heater Richland General maintenance District 4R General maintenance District 24 General maintenance
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V.F. Schuyler Elementary School Report
Rationale:
Highlights:
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V.G. Schuyler Middle School Report
Rationale:
Highlights:
1. Essay Winners 2. College visit and presentation 3. Students of the Month 4. 8th Grade visitation to the high school
Discussion:
8th grade visitation at SCHS was held on May 7th.
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V.H. Schuyler Central High School Report
Rationale:
1. Graduation: Sunday, May 18th.
2. State Soccer Qualifier: Due to our soccer team scheduled to play in the State Tournament on Friday morning, Thursday will be our last day with high school students. We were scheduled for a half-day with all students on Friday. We will continue as planned for the elementary and middle schools. This will be a regular workday for high school staff not attending and working as supervisors for the games in Omaha. We will also allow parents at all buildings to attend the games and assist with supervision. We will cover all vacancies with staff choosing to remain in the district.
Discussion:
Senior graduation is planned for Sunday, May 18th. Due to our boys' soccer team being scheduled to play in the State Tournament on Friday, May 16 at 9:00 AM, Thursday, May 15 will be our last day with high school students.
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V.I. Superintendent's Report
Rationale:
1. Bus Fire and Insurance Settlement: Ronnie brought bus 02 up to the parking lot for the track team to use. He turned the bus off and went inside the building. Within 15 minutes an electrical fire had gotten out of control. The insurance company has determined the bus to be a total loss. Due to the age of the bus and mileage, the insurance coverage initially allowed us $1,000 for the bus. Ronnie kept working with them and we settled for $5,000.
2. Food Service Award: Schuyler Community Schools has been selected as the Tier One Third Place winner for 2012-2013 Nebraska School Breakfast Challenge. In addition to receiving recognition at the School Nutrition Conference in June, your school will be mailed a check in the amount of $1,300. See attached letter. 3. Staff Breakfast: We will be hosting a staff breakfast on Monday, May 19th at 8:00 AM. Board members are welcome to attend this event. We will be recognizing and thanking our staff for their work throughout the 2013-14 school year. We will also recognize our employees who will be retiring at the end of this school year.
Discussion:
Schuyler Community Schools has been selected as the Tier One Third Place winner for 2012-2013 Nebraska School Breakfast Challenge. In addition to receiving recognition at the School Nutrition Conference in June, the school will be mailed a check in the amount of $1,300.
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VI. Correspondence Items
Discussion:
Correspondence was received from Teresa Mentzer, who is retiring at the end of this school year.
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VII. Executive Session
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VIII. 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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