August 8, 2022 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale: 
I.     Call Hearing to Order

II.   The purpose of the Hearing is to review, discuss, consider, and receive input, and or support, opposition, criticism, suggestions or observations of taxpayers relating to amending the 2021-22 general fund and building fund budgets.

III.  Adjourn Budget Amendment Hearing

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 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 is the recommended Return-to-Learn plan for the 2022-23 school year.  The plan was reviewed by the district leadership team and we recommend no changes to the plan.  Once approved by the board, this plan will be updated and posted on the website. 

The district protocols behind this plan are also posted on the website and do not require board action.  The Leadership Team is responsible for reviewing and working with East Central and our school nurses on making any changes to the protocols as we progress through the school year and need to respond in a timely and responsible manner.  We will keep you informed of any changes to our protocols, procedures, etc.. as they are recommended.

See attached plan and COVID-19 information on the district website.

Rationale:  Policy 204.12 is updated to include changes from LB 83 also passed last year and allowing the board to require those wishing to address the board to provide their name, address, and organizational affiliation.  The concern expressed in July was:  
"Any written or printed materials to be circulated for a meeting of the school board must be submitted to the superintendent by the Wednesday preceding a Monday night meeting and such information will only be added to the agenda packet at the discretion of the superintendent after consultation with the board president."
According to Jim Luebbe, this has been in our manual since 2015.  It is not required, but was included in the policy updates for those districts that did not have this in their current policy. 
Your choice make no changes to the presented or make a motion to remove the above requirement from the policy.
 

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

Rationale:  See attached resolution.

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

Rationale: 
Recommended Budget Amendment
1.  General Fund:  We are recommending a $750,000 amendment to the general fund and 500,000 to the Building Fund budgets in response to program expansion related to COVID-19 federal allocations.
Attached is the recommended amended budget as advertised.  This amendment will not affect our current tax request for 2021-22. 

Information for this agenda item is under the budget amendment hearing.

Rationale: 
We are recommending reconsideration of the following beginning steps for the following support staff positions for the 2022-23 school year.
                                           Current              Recommended
Position                         Starting Step          Starting Step
Food Service                            3                            5
                                             $11.31                  $12.15
Custodial-Housekeeper          3                            5
                                             $11.31                  $12.15

Custodial-Maintenance           8                            11
                                             $13.49                  $14.92

*Same step as Grounds Maintenance

The salary schedule changes will affect new hires and anyone in the current salary schedule at or below the new hire step in these positions.

Rationale:  Resignations
1.  Eugene Barr:  SMS Food Service/Bus Driver
2.  Farah Noor:  SCHS Maintenance
3.  Melina Padilla:  SES Para Educator
4.  Kelsey Yosten:  SCHS/SMS Attendance Coordinator
5.  Diane Sandoval:  SES Food Service
6. Yesenia Albers:  SES Para Educator
 

Rationale:  New Hires
1.  Miriam Lopez:  Preschool Para Educator
2.  Rebecca Williams:  SMS Food Service
3.  Brandy Evans:  SES Food Service
4.  Diane Zollars:  SMS Food Service
5.  Lidia Marino:  SCHS Food Service
6.  Maria Oviedo:  SCHS Food Service

NDE Priority Transition:  Instructional Coach
1.  Emily Steinhoff:  SMS Instructional Coach (.5 FTE)
The Nebraska Department of Education has agreed to pay for .5 FTE and .5 contract support from KLK (Kathy Kennedy).

Rationale: 
1.  All Staff Meeting:  The All-Staff Meeting is scheduled for 8:00 on Tuesday, August 9th.  Board Members are welcome to attend.
2.  Chamber/Staff Mixer:  From 1:00 to 3:00 on Tuesday, August 9th, the Chamber is hosting a mixer for our staff to go downtown and visit the local businesses.  Our hope is that we can get them to come back to our Open Houses in the evening. 
3.  Open House:  All buildings will host open houses on Tuesday, August 9th from 3:00 to 8:00 PM.  Please stop by the buildings and visit with the staff.
4.  Ribbon Cutting:  The Chamber is hosting the Ribbon Cutting for the new K-1 Dual Language Wing at the District Office on Tuesday, August 9th at 5:30 PM.  We welcome any board members to participate in this program.
 

Rationale: 
1.  August Foundation Meeting:  See Website for meeting details - Brian Vavricek
2.  NASB Area Membership Meeting:   The NASB Area Membership Meeting scheduled for Norfolk is Wednesday, August 31st.  Please let Shelley Friesz know if you are planning on attending.  Registrations are due for Norfolk on August 24th.  See attached information.
3.  NASB Quick Notes:  See attachment from Matt Belka
 

Rationale:  I am working on finalizing the 2022-23 budget with few changes from the amended 2021-22 budget.  I will upload documents to the meeting as they are completed over the weekend, otherwise documents will be presented at the meeting and uploaded at the conclusion of the meeting. 

We will not be getting our new valuations for setting the levy until August 20th, so the tax request is according to the previous year's valuation.

By doing the budget workshop this early, you will have more time to review, ask questions, make recommendations, etc...
Depending on your requests, the finance committee may need to meet between these meetings as the budget will need to be submitted to the paper by September 1st.