Public Meeting Minutes: July 10, 2023 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

Discussion:

Board President Desh called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Board President Desh led the board and the patrons in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. Announcement of the Open Meetings Act Posting

Discussion:

Board President Desh identified the location of the Open Meetings Act Poster on the wall in the meeting room.
- Please note that no changes to the Open Meetings Act occurred during the latest Legislative session and the current Open Meetings Act information will stay current until further notice.

3. Building Expansion and Summer Construction Update

Discussion:

Craig Gies from BIC Construction updated the board on the construction progress at both buildings.
Areas discussed during the presentation are listed below:
- Project Timeline Update
- Safety
- Communication and Community Updates
Bennet Elementary School:
- Gym Floor Update
- Entrances / Exits
- Parking Lot Discussion: Stalls / Traffic Flow
- Bus and Parent / Staff Traffic Flow / Efficiency
- Playground Renovation
Palmyra High School:
- Entrances / Exits
- Parking (Please view attached link)
  - HS Parking for 2023-2024
- CTE Area
- Sewer, Streets, and Utilities
- Pre-cast concrete foundational work will be starting soon at both buildings.

Upcoming Construction-Related Meetings:
- Administration Construction Updates:
  - These meetings take place every other Tuesday beginning at 2:00 p.m. at either Palmyra High School or Bennet Elementary School. The meeting location will change as needed to address priority items at each site.
  - The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 25th at Palmyra High School in the west entrance conference room.
- Construction Manager at Risk Construction Board Member Updates:
  - Starting on August 14, 2023, CMAR representatives from BIC Construction will meet with all board members on the second Monday of each month beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the media center at Palmyra High School to discuss project progress and current/pending expenditures, changes, etc.
    - Because all board members are scheduled to be in attendance at these CMAR update meetings, the meetings are public and public notice of the meeting will be published accordingly prior to each monthly CMAR meeting.
Additional information and pictures regarding school construction updates are available on our school website at www.districtor1.org

Attachments: (1)

2022 Bond Construction Budget.Summary.Updated. July 10.2023

4. Staff and Student Presentations

Discussion:

There were no staff or student presentations scheduled at the meeting due to the summer break.
These presentations will begin again when school starts in the fall.

5. Consent Agenda

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. This motion, made by Josh Penterman and seconded by Dee Moore, Passed.

Busch: Yea
Calfee: Yea
Cheney : Yea
Desh: Yea
Moore: Yea
Penterman: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

No further discussion.

5.1. Approval of Board Agenda

5.2. Approval of minutes of previous meetings

Attachments: (3)

5.3. Approval of Claims/Payment of Bills and Payroll

Attachments: (3)

5.4. Certificated/Classified Hire(s)/Reassignment(s)/Resignation(s)

5.5. Financial Report

Discussion:

Attachments: (1)

Financial Report. District OR1.July 10.2023

6. Public Comment

Discussion:

Public Comment was presented by Craig Bolz of Palmyra.

7. Administrative Reports

Discussion:

Due to our building principals and activities director not being in the buildings during the month of July, there was no administrative report presented this month.

7.1. Superintendent's Report

Discussion: Superintendent Hart provided an update and information on the following topics:

Option Enrollment:
- Some of the topics included: historical and current transportation practices for option students, student costs, option enrollment board policy, and state statute discussion.
Bennet Safe Streets and Roads Project:
- The attached project description and accompanying letter of support are attached to this agenda item.
Olson Complex Family Nights
- Please note: The next Family Night is Tuesday, July 18th, 2023 at the Olson Complex from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
- All students, staff, families, and community patrons are invited to attend these events.
Legislative Session Review:
- More information about these bills is listed below in the discussion item section of the agenda.
Bond Update:
- Superintendent Hart provided information relative to the current bond issuance, projections for the issuance of the remaining bond funds, and current bond expenditures and revenues.
- A summary of the current 2022 bond is attached to this agenda item.
Summer Building Projects
- Auxiliary Gym Doors
- Painting
- HVAC and General Maintenance
- Carpets and Rooms
Personnel Update:
- Update on "new to the district" personnel.
Beginning of School Information
- The first day of school for students K-12 will be Monday, August 14th, 2023. Please note that this is a change from an earlier edition of the 2023-2024 district calendar.
- The first day of preschool will be Tuesday, August 15th, 2023. Please note that this is a change from an earlier edition of the 2023-2024 district calendar.
- The updated 2023-2024 District OR-1 school calendar is attached to this agenda item.

Attachments: (1)

2023-2024 District Calendar. Board Approved.Updated. 6.12.2023 - 2023-2024 Calendar.5 day.Updated.June 12.2023 (2)

7.1.1. Bennet Safe Streets and Roads Project Information

Discussion:

See information attached below.

Attachments: (2)

7.1.2. Legislative Update

Discussion:

Superintendent Hart provided a summary of the impact of the legislative session on public schools, property taxes, and student learning.

Attachments: (2)

7.1.3. Updated Information on the 2022 General Obligation Bond

Discussion: Superintendent Hart presented information on the 2022 General Obligation Bond:

An update and general summary overview of the first issuance of the 2022 General Obligation Bond is attached: This information was updated on July 10, 2023.
The projected second bond issuance procedures were discussed.
- This 2nd bond issuance is projected to occur sometime in the fall of the 2023-2024 school year.

Attachments: (1)

2022 Bond Construction Budget.Summary.Updated. July 10.2023

7.1.4. Option Enrollment Update

Discussion: Superintendent Hart presented information on this topic regarding the following areas:

Special education students requesting option enrollment will now be considered for district admission based on special circumstances and available resources on a "case by case" basis.
Certain grade levels and programs are still listed at capacity in alignment with future enrollment projections.
Option Enrollment Transportation
Option In
Option Out
Net Option Funding and State Aid Impact

Attachments: (5)

7.2. Administrative Team Report

Discussion:

Due to our building principals and activities director being off for the month of July, there is no administrative report for this month

8. Discussion Items- Committee Reports

Discussion:

No further discussion.
Board committee assignments will be discussed in more detail at the upcoming board retreat on Wednesday, July 12th, 2023.

Attachments: (1)

2023 Board Committee Assignments_ District OR.1. Updated and Approved. January 16.2023

9. Policy Review

Discussion:

The policies listed below are policies that are reviewed annually in accordance with NDE and federal or state standards or they are new policies that have been developed in response to the current laws and guidelines established as a result of the most recent legislative session.

Attachments: (1)

23 0605 Annual School District Policy Update Memo - ESU 4 (1)

9.1. Policy # 1101: Equal Access-Student Groups:

Discussion:

Discussion centered around clarifying the list of approved "student groups" that can have access to students to share information during the school day, but not during instructional time.
This list is attached to this agenda item.

Attachments: (2)

9.2. Policies # 1210 and 1220: Title IX

Discussion:

No further discussion.
This policy is reviewed annually.

Attachments: (3)

9.3. Policy # 4009: Drug Use

Discussion:

No further discussion.

Attachments: (1)

Policy 4009 --Drug Use.July 10.2023

9.4. Policy #4025: Professional Boundaries Between Students and Employees

Discussion:

No further discussion.
This policy will be reviewed again with all staff at the beginning of the school year in alignment with NDE standards.

Attachments: (1)

4025--Professional Boundaries Between Students and Employees.Reviewed. July 10.2023

9.5. Policy #5004: Full and Part Time Student Enrollment

Discussion: The discussion centered on the following:

Part-time students are now permitted to enroll in "all courses selected by the students."
In addition, each district must adopt board policies to allow any resident homeschool student to participate in extracurricular activities, as long as the student meets the eligibility criteria identified.
NSAA policies will also apply as directed by the NSAA.

Attachments: (1)

5004 Policy-Part Time Enrollment. Updated. July 10.2023

9.6. Policy #5102: Alternative Education

Discussion:

No further discussion.

Attachments: (1)

Policy 5102--Alternative Education. Updated July 10.2023.docx

9.7. Policy #5205: Graduation

Discussion:

Discussion centered around the five additional graduation credits now needed for personal finance or financial literacy.
Additional discussion involved conversation about including student volunteer hours and community service for graduation requirements.

Attachments: (1)

Policy #5205--Graduation. Updated July 10.2023.docx

9.8. Policy #5415: Bullying Prevention

Discussion:

No further discussion.
This policy is required to be reviewed annually.

Attachments: (1)

5415-Bullying Policy.Reviewed.7.10.2023

9.9. Policy #5602: Naloxone

Discussion:

Discussion revolved around the presence of Narcan (Naloxone) now being secured in schools to help immediately treat potential adverse impacts from drugs.
Our health services staff is properly trained for these resource allocations and intervention strategies and health services staff will proactively train other staff members as needed to assist with the process and state requirements.

Attachments: (1)

Policy #5602--Naloxone. Updated. July 10.2023

9.10. Policy #6212: Assessments--Academic Content Standards

Discussion:

No further discussion

Attachments: (1)

Policy #6212 -- Assessments--Academic Content standards.June 12.2023.docx

9.11. Policy #6215: Collection of Information Relating to Dyslexia

Discussion:

By July 1 of each year, all school districts will now be required to report information to NDE related to student dyslexia.
- This new requirement supplements the Legislature’s prior measures to eliminate barriers to student reading progress.
No further discussion

Attachments: (1)

Policy #6215--Collection of Information Relating to Dyslexia.Updated. July 10.2023.docx

9.12. Policy #6284: Initiations and Hazing

Discussion:

No further discussion

Attachments: (1)

Policy #6284--Initiations and Hazing.Updated. July 10.2023.docx

9.13. Policy #6288: Artificial Intelligence

Discussion:

Given the recent rise of artificial intelligence, it is recommended that all schools now have a policy to address how to identify acceptable academic practices, plagiarism and academic dishonesty in relation to AI.
Please see attached document

Attachments: (1)

Policy #6288. Artificial Intelligence. Updated.July 10.2023.docx

9.14. Policy #6600. Special Education Policy

Discussion:

No further discussion

Attachments: (1)

Policy #6600. Special Education Policy.Updated. July 10.2023.docx

9.15. Policy # 6700: Firearms

Discussion:

No further discussion

Attachments: (1)

Policy #6700--Firearm Policy. Updated. July 10.2023

9.16. Policy # 6921: Safe Seizure Schools

Discussion:

District OR-1 has a program and specially trained staff in place to provide care if a student or staff member has a seizure during school hours or on school property.
This is an annual training requirement.
Please see the attached document.

Attachments: (1)

Policy #6921 --Safe Seizure Schools. Updated. July 10.2023.docx

9.17. Policy #6930: Behavioral Points of Contact

Discussion:

Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, each school district must designate at least one employee as a "behavioral awareness point of contact" for each building.
Each "point of contact" must have information about identified supports, including a registry of local mental health and counseling resources.
The "points of contact" must be listed on the school’s website and "in any school directory for the school."
Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, every school district must ensure that "each administrator, teacher, paraprofessional, school nurse, and counselor receives "behavioral awareness training."
In alignment with recent legislative changes and upcoming laws, the following policy will be recommended for inclusion in our district policies.

District OR-1 "Behavioral Awareness Points of Contact" will be:

Bennet Elementary School: Ms. Linde Walter (Elementary Principal) and Mr. Austin Lahmon (Elementary School Counselor).
Palmyra High School: Mr. Heath Johnson (High School Principal), Mrs. Kloreace Linke (District School Psychologist), and Mrs. Kori Vodicka (High School Guidance Counselor).

Attachments: (1)

Policy Number 6930--Behavioral Points of Contact. Updated July10.2023.docx

10. Action Items

10.1. Presentation, discussion, and or official action to approve the update of the Option Enrollment Appendix for 2023-2024.

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Motion to approve the updated Option Enrollment Appendix for the 2023-2024 school year. This motion, made by Josh Penterman and seconded by Tim Cheney, Passed.

Busch: Yea
Calfee: Yea
Cheney : Yea
Desh: Yea
Moore: Yea
Penterman: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

No further discussion.

Attachments: (1)

Option Enrollment. Policy 5006--Resolution & Appendix 1. Updated. July 10.2023 (2)

10.2. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve Policy # 5101: Student Discipline

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Motion to approve. This motion, made by Dee Moore and seconded by Dean Busch, Passed.

Busch: Yea
Calfee: Yea
Cheney : Yea
Desh: Yea
Moore: Yea
Penterman: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

The high school will begin to limit student cell phone usage and Internet access this year in order to proactively address potential future challenges related to technology.
- These changes are intended to increase engagement and student and staff information security.
No further discussion

Attachments: (1)

5101. Student Discipline Policy. Updated July 2023. Reviewed By BOE. Second Reading.7.10.2023

10.3. Presentation, discussion, and or official action to approve Policy #5416 Student Fees and Appendix

Action(s):

Motion 1 Passed:

Motion to reaffirm Parental Involvement Policy #6400. This motion, made by Dean Busch and seconded by Jaimi Calfee, Passed.

Busch: Yea
Calfee: Yea
Cheney : Yea
Desh: Yea
Moore: Yea
Penterman: Yea

Motion 2 Passed:

Motion to approve. This motion, made by Dean Busch and seconded by Jaimi Calfee, Passed.

Busch: Yea
Calfee: Yea
Cheney : Yea
Desh: Yea
Moore: Yea
Penterman: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

No further discussion.

Attachments: (2)

10.4. Presentation, discussion and or official action to reaffirm Board of Education Policy Review Parental and Family Engagement Policy # 6400

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Motion to approve. This motion, made by Josh Penterman and seconded by Tim Cheney, Passed.

Busch: Yea
Calfee: Yea
Cheney : Yea
Desh: Yea
Moore: Yea
Penterman: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

No further discussion.

Attachments: (1)

6400--Parent Involvement. Public Hearing July 10.2023

10.5. Presentation, discussion, and or official action to approve the 2023-2024 Pre-School Student Handbook.

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Motion to Approve the 2023-2024 Bennet Elementary Pre-School Handbook. This motion, made by Tim Cheney and seconded by Dean Busch, Passed.

Busch: Yea
Calfee: Yea
Cheney : Yea
Desh: Yea
Moore: Yea
Penterman: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

No further discussion.

Attachments: (1)

23-24 Preschool Handbook. For Board approval_ draft

10.6. Presentation, discussion, and or official action to approve the 2023-2024 Bennet Elementary Student Handbook.

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Motion to Approve the 2023-2024 Bennet Elementary Student Handbook. This motion, made by Dee Moore and seconded by Josh Penterman, Passed.

Busch: Yea
Calfee: Yea
Cheney : Yea
Desh: Yea
Moore: Yea
Penterman: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

No further discussion.

Attachments: (1)

2023-24.Bennet Elementary Handbook for Board approval.July2023.docx

10.7. Presentation, discussion, and or official action to update Food Service student prices for the 2023-2024 school year.

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Motion to approve Food Service Prices for 2023-2024. This motion, made by Josh Penterman and seconded by Dee Moore, Passed.

Busch: Yea
Calfee: Yea
Cheney : Yea
Desh: Yea
Moore: Yea
Penterman: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

No further discussion.

Attachments: (1)

District OR-1 FOOD SERVICE PRICES for 2022-2023 School Year. for review.June 13.2022

10.8. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve the recommended Student Fees for the 2023-2024 School Year

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Motion to approve Student Fees Policy #5416. This motion, made by Dee Moore and seconded by Tim Cheney, Passed.

Busch: Yea
Calfee: Yea
Cheney : Yea
Desh: Yea
Moore: Yea
Penterman: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

No further discussion.

Attachments: (1)

5416-- Student Fees Policy--Appendix.Reviewed.July 10.2023

11. Board of Education Development

Discussion:

Discussion included topics for the upcoming board retreat on Wednesday, July 12th beginning at 6:30p.m. at Transformation Marketing in Palmyra, Ne.

Attachments: (1)

board-quicks---july-2023

12. Closed Session

12.1. Convene Closed Session

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Motion to convene closed session to discuss the potential purchase of property as needed to protect the interest of the District. This motion, made by Jaimi Calfee and seconded by Dee Moore, Passed.

Busch: Yea
Calfee: Yea
Cheney : Yea
Desh: Yea
Moore: Yea
Penterman: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

The closed session began at: 9:09 p.m.
The closed session ended at: 9:43 p.m.

12.2. Reconvene Meeting from Closed Session

Action(s):

Motion Passed:

Motion to reconvene regular board meeting at 9:43 p.m. This motion, made by Jaimi Calfee and seconded by Josh Penterman, Passed.

Busch: Yea
Calfee: Yea
Cheney : Yea
Desh: Yea
Moore: Yea
Penterman: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion:

The regular meeting resumed at 9:43 p.m.

12.3. Approval of any action deemed necessary as a result of the closed session

Discussion:

No board action was taken following the closed session relating to the potential purchase of property.

13. Topics for Next Month’s Agenda

Discussion: Topics for Next Month:

Beginning of School Activities and Events
"Beginning of School" Schedule
Review 4000 and 5000 Series Policies
Second Reading of Designated Policies
2023-2024 Budget Projections
Policy Review on:
- Attendance Policy
Strategic Planning Update
Staff Handbooks
Other items as needed

14. Adjournment

Discussion:

The meeting was adjourned at: 9:43 p.m.

July 10, 2023 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

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