May 9, 2022 at 8:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  The meeting was called to order by President Steve Vyhnalek at 8:00 pm with all members present.  President Vyhnalek confirmed the advance notice to the public of the meeting and agenda.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Discussion:  Also present are Superintendent Daryl Schrunk, Principal Jake Wiese, Title 1 teacher Karma Ridpath and Linda Woolsey.

Discussion:  No visitors were present.

Discussion:  Mrs. Ridpath presented information on the Title 1 program at DPS.  This is an annual update requirement.  All Title 1 policies and procedures are located on the Dorchester School website under "Title 1" on the website banner.  At the end of the 2021-2022 school year, there are 40 students in the reading program and 15 students in the math program.  Over the course of this year, 50 different students were involved with Title 1.  Upcoming events include summer training for Mrs. Laura Barlow and Mrs. Ridpath this summer.

Discussion:  Mr. Schrunk reviewed Policy #5018-Parent and Guardian Involvement in Education Practices.  There was no public comment at this time or changes necessary.

Discussion:  No request for change of agenda.

Discussion:  Mr. Schrunk reviewed the April Financial Report.  

Discussion:  Mr. Wiese reviewed the elementary and high school music concerts, prom, Honors Night, Athletic Banquet and Graduation that have taken place at DPS.  NSCAS testing has been completed and MAP testing is in process.  The Hope Crisis Center presented a Dating Violence workshop on APril 20.  Many students attended the FBLA SLC in April.  Three students received 2nd place in Broadcast Journalism and will be attending NLC in Chicago this summer.  Upcoming events are District Track on May 12th and State track on May 20-21; Elementary field day is May 16th; Staff Gathering at City Slickers on May 18th; last day of Preschool is May 19th with the last day of K-12 on May 20th.  Summer Reading and Math Camp on June 13-17 and July 18-22.

Discussion:  Mr. Schrunk discussed the possibility of replacing the 2008 Minivan this year.  The Transportation Committee will look into this.  Summer projects will include painting, cleaning and general maintenance of classrooms.  The Staff Luncheon/Recognition will be held May 20th.

Legislative updates = Recap from 2022 session
> LB 758 Change provisions to the Nebraska Farm-to-School Program Act.  Expands the farm to school program to early childhood education programs.
> LB 852 Require behavioral health points of contact for school districts.  Requires a district to designate a behavioral health point of contact for each building to coordinate services for students and families.  ESU#6 will assist us in providing this resource.
> LB 902 Adopt the Nebraska Career Scholarship Act.  Places into statute a career scholarship program specific for the underserved workforce sector.
> LB 1218 Change provisions to certification of school employees and student loan forgiveness.  Acknowledges and addresses the educator workforce shortage in Nebraska.

Information for upcoming budget planning ('22-23 school year)
> LB 644 passed last session and went into effect January 1, 2022.  Basically, a school district may increase their tax asking annually by 2% plus real growth.  The county (Saline) certifies real growth on August 20th at the same time valuations are certified.  If a school district wishes to ask for taxes more than 2% plus real growth, then the school district must request a joint meeting held by the county that contains the main building for the school district (Saline).  The county files the Special Joint Meeting and at least one representative from the school district must be present.  There are more filing details that we will need to adhere to, if we need to utilize this tax asking "override".   It is my understanding that a state county assessor meeting is happening later in May to bring the counties up to date.   Mr. Schrunk will continue to update the board as he learns more. 

Discussion:  Mr. Schrunk presented the findings from the recent Rule 10 Safety Review completed by Norm Yoder.  Mr Yoder commended the school board for the new and remodeled facilities that we currently have.  Some areas addressed have already been corrected.  Other changes will occur this summer.

Discussion:  Mr. Schrunk discussed the resignations of Tiffany Sand, Bethany Theis and Miles Ray.  The Board thanks them for their service to DPS.

Discussion:  Mr. Schrunk has checked with NDE on the requirements for endorsements on hiring Mr. Kotas.  We will be in compliance.

Discussion:  Mr. Wiese and Mr. Schrunk presented the travel itinerary for the NLC in Chicago June 28 - July 3.  Lori Cerny has agreed to travel with the students by bus.

Discussion:  Mr. Wiese reported ESU6 has assisted in the selection process for our K-12 Math curriculum.  The Big Ideas Math series from Cengage was selected.  ESSER III Funds will be used for the purchase.

Discussion:  No reports.

Discussion:  Closed session not necessary.

Discussion:  The next scheduled board meeting is Monday, June 13 at 8:00 p.m.