June 4, 2018 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:       President Gould called the meeting to order at 6:34 PM and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Discussion:       President Gould announced that the Hearings for four policies were open for discussion at 6:35 PM. 
     Superintendent Joel explained the Parental Involvement Policy 6400, Bullying Policy 5415, Student Fees Policy 5416, and Restraints and Seclusion Policy 5419.  There was no public input.  The policies will be an action item later in the agenda.
     President Gould closed the Hearings at 6:37 PM.

Discussion:       Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Urbom to excuse the absence of Lori Springer for personal reasons.  RCV 5-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       President Gould reminded the audience that the Open Meeting Laws are displayed in the back of the room for their review.

Discussion:       Motion by Black, second by Urbom to approve the consent agenda as presented, regular meeting minutes of May 17, 2018 and the June Financial Statement as presented.  RCV 5-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Thank you students, staff, and parents for a fantastic 2017-2018 school year. Enjoy summer break! 
     Barb Mock, owner of Travel With Barb, sent the following message in regards to RC music students and teachers: These students seemed to be of growth mindset, open to learning, and happy to participate around every corner. It is not often that I get to see that across the board---this group was outstanding. I told Jordan and Seth that in my role (and at my age and experience) it is always refreshing to see two young teachers who have created a culture where it is safe to participate, it is important to be respectful, and it is expected to choose kindness. BRAVO to these two dynamic teachers! Thank you gentleman for taking the time to provide these types of lifelong lessons to your students.  Afterall, you are amongst the very few teachers that get to have these SAME students in your classroom year after year and watch them grow and blossom into young adults.  Your guidance and expectations are molding them into amazing young humans! THANK YOU for taking the time to do what’s right for kids!!!

Discussion:  Submitted by Kolin Haecker, 6-12 Principal/Curriculum Director
     Summer has begun. We are finishing up the year and starting to prepare for the upcoming school year.
     Custodians are hard at work cleaning rooms and providing summer maintenance to our buildings.
     The athletic teams have started their camps or have a camp planned during the summer. Summer leagues have already started for various teams.
     A big thank you to all the staff for a successful school year. Also want to thank the teachers leaving RC for their service: Dave Schnell, Delores Smith, Shawn Ekwall, Laura Trautman, Cori Dorenbach and Casey Carriker.
Submitted by Greg Wilmes, Activities Director/Assistant Principal
     Rylee Haecker finished 6th in the 800 meter and 10th in the 1600 meter run at the state meet at Omaha Burke.
     The spring athletic sports banquet was hosted on Tuesday, May 15 in the commons. Many winter/spring sport awards were given out, as well as year-long academic all-state, 3-sport winners and the athletes of the year (Morgan Potter, Easton Albrecht). Special recognition was also give to former booster club president Ron Pickel and retiring coach/teacher Dave Schnell, who was at Raymond Central for 40 years!
     Summer camps started on May 29 and the weightroom started normal sessions on Monday, June 4. Gyms will be closed for refinishing from June 30-July 15.
Submitted by Shelly Dostal, Elementary Principal at Valparaiso/K-6 Curriculum Director
     Report cards are available for families to pick up. All data for the State of the Schools report is being compiled and will be reported to NDE soon. We will not have results of state wide (NSCAS) assessments until fall. NDE is working with educators this summer to establish cut scores, create test bank items, and check for bias.
     The administrative team worked together to submit district and School Evidence-Based Analysis ratings for the AQUeSTT report. The AQUeSTT has six tenets: 1) Positive Partnerships, Relationships, and Student Success, 2) Transitions, 3) College and Career Ready, 4) Assessment, 5) Educational Opportunities and Access, and 6) Educator Effectiveness. I will be working with other curriculum directors during the summer to offer input on the revision of the Evidence-Based Analysis associated with Nebraska's AQuESTT system.
     School Improvement - The School Improvement Team met on May 24 to wrap up from 2017-18 and plan for 2018-19. The group met with AdvancED representatives to begin planning for the district visit in November. We will meet again before school starts.
     Curriculum and Instruction - Guidance Curriculum updates are being submitted for Board approval. Special thanks to Mrs. Kristine White and Ms. Tasha Osten for their work with the curriculum. As we continue to roll in new math materials updates, the quote for second grade materials is being submitted for Board approval.
     Professional Learning - ESU#2 is hosting various trainings this summer. We are trying to organize CPI training for staff during late summer/early fall. New to the profession teachers will be attending the New Teacher Academy in August. The administrative team will be attending the DuFour’s PLC conference in St. Charlies, MO in June.
     End of Year -The annual end of year Awards Assembly was held on May 22. Students were recognized for various achievements including MUSTANG awards and Girls With Ideas recognition. Staff members were recognized for their service to RC. We wish Ms. Georgia Johnson all the best as she retires from RC. We wish Mr. Nathan Liess and Ms. Megan Brown much success in their new teaching positions. Special thanks to Ms. Barb Schiefen for the outstanding video presentation of highlights throughout the year.
     Kindergarten Jump Start - Classes will begin on June 11 and will run through July 26. Classes meet on Monday and Wednesday in Valparaiso and on Tuesday and Thursday in Ceresco, from 8:30-11:30am. Mrs. Kendra Carlson is leading the groups with assistance from Mrs. Lori Maxwell, Mrs. Yvonne Brenner, and others as needed.
     Summer maintenance has begun. Thank you to our dedicated maintenance crew for their efforts.
     Planning for 2018-19 - Staff has been busy cleaning out space and organizing. New staff will be moving in soon.
Submitted by Ann Egr, Elementary Principal at Ceresco/Special Education Director
     MUSTANG Award Winners: Wyatt Goddette, Jacob Grundin, Justin Grundin, Henry Bower, Cooper Huck, Evy Mager, Vailey Masek, Cade Nelson, Rae Thomas, Rylynn Walsh, Hailey Witt, Emory Burch, Hudsen Heermann, Asher Jeppesen, Gavin Loyd, Nolan Meranda-Melia, Brayden Snetsinger, Lane Walsh, Kane Haar, Alexa Otto, Ruvi Renteria, Isaac Zobel, Elienne Houchin, Miley McCoy, Trevor Jordan, Reid Otto.
     P.O.P. (Positive Office Pass) drawing recipients were: Colton Badberg, Lynsey Christensen, Taylor
Oldfield.
     The spring concert for grades 3-5 was held at the High School on Monday, May 14 starting at 6:30 PM. Thank you to Mr. Strouf, Mr. Luke, students, and parents for their continued support of the fine arts!
     The end of the year picnic was held at the Ceresco Park on May 22. Once again, a HUGE thank you to the PTO for furnishing the popsicles for the end of the year picnic. Raymond Central is fortunate to have such supportive PTO.
     Jump-Start to Kindergarten starts on June 5 at Ceresco. Ten students are participating this year. Thank-you to the Jump-Start teachers, Kendra Carlson, Lori Maxwell, and Kathy Fredrickson for making this a successful learning opportunity.
     End of the year cleaning and building maintenance has begun.
     Summer is a busy time for the end of year Special Education reporting. Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) requires numerous reports for SpEd accountability. The Special Education Discipline Report, Snap Shot, and Non-public meeting are all due within the next two weeks.

Discussion:       Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Black to approve the purchase of 2^nd grade math curriculum, Envision 2.0, at a cost of $6,842.99.  RCV 5-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       The updated K-12 School Counseling Curriculum was provided to the Board.

Discussion: 

     Continuous improvement, resulting in success for all learners, is the goal of every institution. While the Improvement Journey for each institution may look different, measures of quality for learning and instruction are ever present. The AdvancED Performance Standards support this cornerstone by providing a set of evaluative criteria that lays the foundation for improvement planning and implementation.
     Based on rigorous research and best practices, the Standards are a powerful tool for transcending compliance, driving institutional transformation and accelerating improvement. AdvancED Engagement Review Teams will evaluate institutions using the AdvancED Performance Standards beginning in 2017-18. Use of these Standards will help institutions convert from an event-driven accreditation process where institutions were held accountable to the same evaluation expectations into a continuous improvement system where each institution can personalize and customize the experience based on their unique vision and long-term strategic goals and objectives.
     The SIP Team (School Improvement Team) met with two representatives from AdvancEd two weeks ago to learn more about the site review process. In November, we will have a team of people visit our district (all three locations). Continuous improvement, resulting in success for all learners, is the goal of every institution. While the Improvement Journey for each institution may look different, measures of quality for learning and instruction are ever present. The AdvancED Performance Standards support this cornerstone by providing a set of evaluative criteria that lays the foundation for improvement planning and implementation. Based on rigorous research and best practices, the Standards are a powerful tool for transcending compliance, driving institutional transformation and accelerating improvement. AdvancED Engagement Review Teams will evaluate institutions using the AdvancED Performance Standards beginning in 2017-18. Use of these Standards will help institutions convert from an event-driven accreditation process where institutions were held accountable to the same evaluation expectations into a continuous improvement system where each institution can personalize and customize the experience based on their unique vision and long-term strategic goals and objectives.
     Phil and I have been working with our school mechanic to follow the steps listed in our bus grant program. We are in the process of taking photos, drilling a 3" hole in the engine block and cutting the chassis in half. Once complete and the new buses arrive, we will receive $40,000. 

Discussion:       As I reflect on this goal, it is difficult to summarize the visible presence I was able to create for the 2017-2018 school year. After moving to Ceresco, it has been fun to be outside with my family or on a run and have conversations with students or parents. Students will typically see me running and say "hey I know you or hi Dr. Joel". It has been a wonderful transition and I appreciate everyone welcoming the Joel's to the district. 
     I met my goal of visiting each building site one time per week. When visiting, I spent time getting into classrooms, talking with teachers and staff, meeting with building principals, and sometimes staying for lunch. I was also a part of the new 360 Superintendent Evaluation model creating a new avenue for stakeholders to provide feedback.
     I spent a lot of time this year being visible outside of the school sites by:  attended various school events at both the elementary and secondary level, Jackson and I participated in the Ceresco Baseball Complex cleanup, met w/ Dr. Gould and Dr. Jo monthly, attended a Greater Wahoo Development Meeting, hosted a multiple stakeholder Crisis and Safety Meeting, active Education Foundation Meeting attendee.  I was also visible at the state level with plans to be more visible. Different activities include:  attended a variety of conferences and workshops, attended all ESU2 superintendent meetings, MTSS pilot study through NDE and ESU2, visited the state capitol to show support for K12 education, attended a reading of policy for early childhood education, Future Presenter at NE Council of School Administrators (July 2018) and NASB Annual Conference (November 2018).  In the future I would like to connect with more local groups and visit or present the great things happening at RC. 

Discussion:       The RC Facility Strategic Plan and the Priority List was provided to Board members.  Next year the facility committee will meet to determine what work needs to be prioritized.  I believe we have a great start to our plan of action and having it on paper will allow us to track progress and follow though to completion. 

Discussion:       This has been an area of growth for me over the past year. Knowing the complexity of NE school finance, I was able to attend several conference and workshops to learn more. I was never afraid to pickup the phone or send an email to NDE with questions. 
     I am also an advocate for RC at the state level in regards to the outdated State Aid Formula. This is something I will remain diligent following and voicing concern. I was able, however, to secure an additional $30,000 in State Aid for RC in the 2018-2019 school year. 
     This past year we spent just under $90,000 in unspent REAP funds. This was something we were able to find and spent on technology around the district. We do not know the dollar amount for the 2018-2019 school year. 
     Joyce has been my greatest resource. We have conversations around the budget on a weekly basis. Joyce has taught me a lot along the way and will continue to work with her and ask questions to deepen my understanding. 

Discussion:       There have been several improvements for developing strategies to improve transparency and messaging:  RC was published in a national and state article; RC was published in the NASB monthly newsletter; RC was the first district to create a comprehensive superintendent 360 evaluation (we will present our work at next year's NASB conference); RC now utilizes BrightArrow to communicate with students, staff, and parents; RC is in the process of creating a new website that will include several new features: easy to use, updated calendar w/out clicking, push notifications, updated staff pages, etc...; RC went digital with the district newsletter through the use of SMORE; RC adopted a new BOE Meeting Template for transparency purposes; I have worked closely with the local newspaper to highlight our celebrations; plans are in the works to create a 3-5 minute RC promotional video through the creative minds of our students; and a Student Leadership group was formed. 

Discussion: 

     Lloyd Jakoubek is to begin work on our lagoon.  Other Pending Projects (depending on money left and total cost): EIFS Repair at Val and Ceresco, Mudjacking at Ceresco, and Val Elementary SE Corner where we placed barriers.  Looking at next year: north side windows in Val, concrete drainage in Val, carpet in Ceresco, carpet in Val, lockers at one of the elementary schools, price out removing gravel at the Elementary schools and add black squares, metal bleachers at the FB field to replace wood bleachers.

Discussion:       Motion by Blanchard, second by Breitkreutz to approve the contract between Raymond Central and Cheever Construction in completing the HVAC repair at the Ceresco Building.  RCV 5-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Deputy Pitz will do training all building sites training.

Discussion:       Motion by Black, second by Breitkreutz to approve Policies 3570-Title I Funds; 4003-Employee Antidiscrimination; 5101-Student Discipline Policy; 5401-Equal Opportunity; 5402-Child Abuse Reporting; 5403-Married Students; 5418-Homeless Student Policy; 6212-Assessments-Academic Content Standards; 6213-Reading Instruction and Assessment; 6410-Parent Involvement in Title I Programs; and 8313-Coffee Act Policy.  RCV 5-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Gould to approve the staff appointments of Justin Lille, 5th Grade Teacher at Valparaiso, Head Softball Coach, and Head Girls Basketball Coach-BA, Step 7; Traci Hummel, 1/2 Time Elementary Teacher at Val and Cheer Coach-BA, Step 1; and Courtney Burr, High School Social Studies-BA+18, Step 3.  RCV 5-0.  Motion carried.
     Motion by Black, second by Urbom to approve the staff appointment of Jeff Nelson, High School ELA-BA, Step 7.  RCV 4-0, Abstain-Gould.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Motion by Black, second by Gould to approve surplus items as presented.  RCV 4-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Motion by Gould, second by Black to approve Hiland Dairy as the supplier for dairy products during the 2018-19 school year.  RCV 5-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:              Motion by Black, second by Urbom to cancel our maintenance agreement with Midwest Office Automations.  RCV 5-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Motion by Black, second by Urbom to approve the Lease Agreement with Bishop Business for our printer maintenance.  RCV 5-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Blanchard to approve a $.05 increase to 2018-19 breakfast and lunch meals for students and adults.  RCV 5-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Motion by Black, second by Breitkreutz to approve Policies 6400-Parental Involvement; 5415-Bullying; and 5419-Restraint and Seclusion.  RCV 5-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Motion by Blanchard, second by Breitkreutz to approve Policy 5416-Student Fees.  RCV 5-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Motion by Blanchard, second by Breitkreutz to the first reading of Policies 1102-Recording of Others; and 3580-Insufficient Funds.  RCV 5-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Motion by Black, second by Urbom to approve the next regular Board of Education Meeting for Wednesday, July 11 at 6:30 PM.  RCV 5-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Gould to adjourn the meeting at 7:59 PM.  RCV 5-0.  Motion carried.