Public Meeting Minutes: November 16, 2022 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

Discussion: President Gould called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 PM and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.

2. Motion to Excuse Board Member's Absence

Discussion: All members were present.

3. Open Meeting Law

Discussion: The audience was reminded that Open Meeting Laws would be followed.

4. Consent Agenda

Discussion: Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Lange to approve the consent agenda as presented including the October 12, 2022 regular meeting minutes; October financial statement; and monthly bills. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.

4.1. Regular Minutes of October 12, 2022

Attachments: (1)

10-12-22 Minutes

10/28/2022 at 9:29 AM

4.2. Financial Statement/Report

Attachments: (1)

Financial Statements Oct 2022

11/11/2022 at 8:18 AM

4.3. Monthly Bills

Attachments: (1)

Bills Paid Oct 2022

11/9/2022 at 2:56 PM

5. Correspondence/Recognition

Discussion:      A huge thank you to Scott Shepard, for being the creator and organizer and all of the staff, students and patrons who helped to make the Veterans Day Program a huge success. There was assistance from the office staff, the custodial staff, the Culinary Class, the choir and band, the Blue Crew, all of the teachers and all of the students. We had approximately 63 Veterans attend the program. The students were so well behaved and they contributed in so many ways to make the day extra special.
     Congratulations to Lori Morgan who applied for and received the ESUCC GEER Robotics Grant which will realize 12 Cue Robots for the STEM classroom.
     Congratulations to resource officer Brian Piitz who has completed his ALICE training and will now be able to provide our staff active shooter defense training.

6. Public Forum

Discussion: Tammy Sharping addressed the Board during Public Forum with concerns about the facility planning, unanswered questions and responsibilities to the taxpayers of the district.

7. Reports

7.1. Update from BVH on facility master plans

Attachments: (1)

RCPS Copy of 2022 11 16 BOE Meeting

11/16/2022 at 1:08 PM

Discussion: BVH architect, Cleve Reeves, reviewed slides presented at the October 17 Patron Committee Meeting. The Board has identified that more time for further study, feedback and discussion is necessary which means putting the Master Planning timeline on hold. BVH will work with Hausmann Construction to refine cost estimates. We plan to drill 3-4 test holes in an effort to answer questions about how much water would be available at a central site.

7.2. Administrative Reports

Attachments: (4)

November AD Report

11/14/2022 at 11:08 AM
November SpEd Board Report

11/14/2022 at 11:12 AM
November Elementary Board Report

11/14/2022 at 11:13 AM
November Jr._Sr. Board Report 2022

11/14/2022 at 1:51 PM

Discussion: Submitted by Scott Shepard, Jr-Sr High School Principal
     Student Engagement - This month during our late start, we took our staff through the Naviance Career Finder module. It is the same module we have all students go through along with the other programs in Naviance that will hopefully help them as they consider future careers and opportunities. Tasha continues to do a great job leading this initiative as staff will be expected to engage students in career conversations. Tony then led the staff through a curriculum mapping activity that will bring consistency to all classes by the end of the year. Lastly, we talked about questioning and engagement. Tony and I are looking for student engagement as we are completing observations.
     Community Engagement - The Veterans Day Program was a success! It was awesome to have all K-12 students attend. We posted artwork from our elementary students and they all did the pledge and sang a song for the Vets. We had over 60 veterans in attendance for the program in which Dave Heineman did a great job educating our students and honoring the Vets. Our band and choirs sounded great! We used the new video boards for a special message from one of our graduates serving overseas. Thanks for your support of the program. We hope to grow it even larger next year!
     Data - Our 6th-8th graders completed their fall NSCAS testing and will be tested again in the spring. 9th and 10th graders took the MAP test. This is an opportunity for us to see where our students are currently and then measure growth in the spring. I will report out data in future reports.
     Events - The Winter Season fired up last week with our first jr. high boys basketball game. High School practices start this week and the One-Act play will perform this Friday on our stage at 7:30 pm.
     Go Stangs!

Submitted by Tony Kobza, Asst Jr-Sr High School Principal/Athletic Director
     Athletic Fall Season - Fall Seasons have wrapped up. We had a softball player, Cam Simmons, receive All-Conference Honorable Mention. Volleyball had a 2nd team All-Conference player in Quincy Cotter and Honorable Mention for Taylor Oldfield. Football awards are still being finalized.
     Activities - Our FFA students represented us well at FFA Nationals and we had a team qualify for the State Land Judging Competition held in Scottsbluff. Speech and Quiz Bowl have begun their competitions with varying levels of success. Our public One Act performance is Friday, November 18. We also held our first Band and Choir Concert with some amazing performances by our students.
     Athletic Winter Season - The winter sport season started on Monday, November 14. Girls and boys basketball have begun as well as wrestling. This year is our first year that we will be offering girls wrestling. We are looking forward to growing that program! Our Jr-High boys have begun their basketball season and our high School basketball and wrestling teams will begin playing games the week of November 28th.
     Concussion Protocol - This week we will be establishing baseline testing for our winter athletes through our new Sway App. I believe we will benefit greatly from having a baseline test to help us better evaluate students as they recover from possible concussions.
     Drug Testing - We are continuing to randomly test students every other week. So far, each test has been a negative result, which we are happy to see. More students have been added to our pool as we enter the winter seasons.
     The LED ScoreVision scoreboards have been installed and look AMAZING! We were able to host our first public event for Veterans Day. On the boards we were able to have the American Flag waving throughout the program. We also showed a video of a graduate of Raymond Central who is serving overseas. We look forward to expanding on the functionality of the boards. A huge thank you to the families that donated and the businesses that have purchased advertising space on the boards to fully fund the cost.

Submitted by Steve Rose, Elementary Principal and Deb Kruse, Assistant Elementary Principal

Targeted Professional Development - This is structured to attend to increasing our capacity of reaching our Campus Improvement Goal of 80% Reading Proficiency.
- Continued...Steve and Deb are conducting multiple walkthroughs weekly in teacher classrooms to determine district and individual teacher needs. Through those walkthroughs we have identified a need for staff instruction on the following:
- Continued...Staff Meetings every 3 weeks to discuss
  - 10 Big Ideas / Checks for Understanding with 100% active participation
    - Based on Explicit Instruction: Anita L. Archer
- PD #3 and PD #4
  - #3 was delivered around Big Idea #2 and Big Idea #9. These 2 ideas are centered around making sure that responses are used to check for understanding of an objective and that they are preplanned and connected to the purpose for learning.
  - #4 was delivered to tie everything that we’ve been doing back to our School Improvement Goal and give teachers the opportunity to share via "carousel" what they have learned so far and how the application of our PD has impacted instruction in their classrooms. We also used this opportunity to share some data that amplifies the needs that we have laid out for our professional development this year. We also shared our data related to our goal of increasing 100% Active Participation to show the shift that we have seen in our walkthroughs.
Science of Reading
- Continued...During these last sessions we are starting to develop the understanding of what we need to implement to bolster instruction in the areas of Word Recognition that will lead to the advancement of Reading Comprehension. We are in the process of evaluating materials that will be used to replace the outdated and non-instructionally sound Wonders Reading Program that we have used for the last several years.
- Caryn Ziettlow from the ESU is aiding in the evaluation and selection of these materials with her knowledge of what we need and what other schools in this process have already chosen. We hope to have the curricular materials decided on by the first of the year.
- We have received copies of three different sets of reading materials. The staff will be working on evaluating these materials in relation to information that we have been learning during our inservices with ESU2. These are the three:
  - Amplify CKLA
  - EL
  - Wit & Wisdom / Geodes
- Monica Blank with Caryn Ziettlow are working on developing the grouping and evaluation process that we will start during our late start on December 7.
School News
- Lori Morgan applied and was approved for the ESUCC GEER Robotics Grant and will be receiving 12 Cue Robots to enhance her STEM / Computer instruction at the Elementary Level.
- Lori also has created and submitted a grant application for the Region II Classroom Grant which will award her materials to use in the STEM Classroom if awarded up to $400 worth of supplies.
- Steve attended the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Summit in Orlando from 10/27-10/30. The summit provided information about the next phase of the EIR Grant that we might be implementing at Raymond Central. We went to learn about the program as well as discuss and network with other schools that are similar to us about how this might be implemented effectively in our current setting. There was a lot of great information received but also more questions that will need to be answered from our Grant managers at the ESU before we move forward with this process.

Submitted by Amanda Coufal, Director of Special Education
504’s on SRS: The SRS Advisory board approved the launch of changes to SRS, including the 504 roll out, on November 1. This information was shared with our district’s 504 coordinators. This feature will allow all 504 plans to be housed in one place just like our IEP records and can be transferred from one school to the next if they are an SRS school. Our 504 coordinators have begun the process to transfer 504 plans into the SRS system but this will take some time. This will be a beneficial tool for our district.
Special Education Law Conference: Caitlin Roussan and myself attended the Tri-State Regional Special Education Law Conference in Omaha on November 3-4. We will be sharing what we learned with the special education staff. Some of the topics that we attended were:

What’s Been Happening in Special Education Law
Lessons from Recent State Complaints & Due Process Hearing Decisions
Writing a Legally Defensible Transition-Focused IEP
Child Find, Rewind: The Ways You’re Behind
Least Restrictive Environment: Using Data and Legal Requirements to Drive Improvement
Setting Ambitious, Gap-Closing, IEP Goals
The Requirement to Conduct FBAs and to Develop and Implement BIPs
Meaningful Parent Participation
Discipline Dilemmas
FAPE: Where are We in 2022

Paraeducator Conference: Matt Smith, Kristen Lovell, Ashley Matulka, and myself attend the 33rd Annual Nebraska Paraeducator Conference in Kearney on November 8. This is a great opportunity for our paraeducators to be recognized, appreciated, and gain valuable knowledge that they can take back to their respective schools. This is always a great opportunity for our paraeducators. Some of the topics that we attended were:

- Paras Make It Possible
- Be Informed, Confident, and Empowered
- Augmentative & Alternative Communication Assistive Technology Paraeducator Bootcamp
- Beyond the Flashcards: How Children Learn to Read
- Behavior is Communication
- Para (Legal) Update: What Every Paraeducator Should Know About the Law
- Building Relationships for Meaningful Learning National School Psychology Week:

The week of November 7-11, we celebrated our awesome School Psychologist. Caitlin Roussan is a vital member of our district. Not only does she bring expertise in the area of school psychology, but she is always looking for ways to improve our school district. She leads our SPS elementary school team meetings, is the 504 coordinator in our elementary schools, and runs our SAT meetings. She also works 1:1 with many students to help them process their emotions. She does a great job explaining testing results to parents, and provides strategies for teachers to try in their classrooms. Raymond Central School District is lucky to have Caitlin as our school psychologist.

7.3. Student Board Member

Attachments: (1)

Madison Parham - School Board Meeting Report

11/16/2022 at 2:19 PM

Discussion: Submitted by Madison Parham, Student Body President
There have been a few eventful things that occurred over the past month. This past Friday, we celebrated Veterans Day with a very honorable and memorable Veterans Day Program here at the high school. In past years, student involvement within the Veterans Day program was very minimal. This year though, students had the opportunity to have a high amount of involvement within the program. To add to that, the entire student body as a whole was very engaged and attentive throughout the full duration of the program. A portion of the National Honor Society and Student Council members spent part of their afternoon at both elementaries assisting with Grandparents Day that Friday as well. I was one of the students who participated in this and I really enjoyed it because I was able to interact with kids whose grandparents didn’t attend and engage in activities with them.
The Student Council has just put two fundraisers in action. The Decal Fundraiser just began this week, which will end on November 22. There is also a Toy Drive beginning to give toys to families in need so that children can have presents for Christmas. The Salvation Army, which oversees the drive also stated that they are in dire need of children’s hats and gloves, which can also be brought in with toy donations. All donations can be brought here to the high school up until December 15. On top of that, the Student Council has also established a new set of rules in regards to our attendance policy and action that would be taken following getting in trouble in class, suspensions, trouble with the law, etc. The Student Council is also looking into new ways to create more student involvement within the school by trying to collect ideas and collaborate with other students.

7.4. Superintendent's Report

Discussion: Status on Used Bus - We have a couple of vendors looking for a low-mileage used bus on our behalf. With the electric bus grant in hand, we can afford to delay the acquisition and more of the desired features in a used bus.
Demographic Information on Student Residences - On the school website under the link for 'Facility Master Planning' there are two maps of the district. One map captures K-5 resident student locations and the other map captures K-12 resident student locations.

7.4.1. NASB Monthly Update

Attachments: (2)

Board-Notes---October-2022

10/26/2022 at 1:28 PM
1122 NASB Monthly Board Agenda Item

11/8/2022 at 1:32 PM

7.4.2. Update on Superintendent Goals
Goal 1: Develop a visible presence within the schools, the school community, and the state.
Goal 2: Foster a learning environment in which every student has the maximum opportunity to achieve academic excellence.
Goal 3: Continue the development of a 10 year facilities strategic plan for implementation that addresses maintenance and improvements for existing building assets and new construction.
Goal 4: Continue the development of safety and security practices for Raymond Central Public Schools.

7.4.3. Safety Report

Discussion: Toby Tortilla did a work safety audit at Valparaiso and Ceresco schools. He identified recommended action items and he also identified less timely items to add to our list to consider. He identified broken concrete on the south side of Ceresco elementary as being a trip hazard. Jared has contacted a contractor for these repairs. Also identified was creating a barrier to minimize the gravel that gets out of the playground area and onto sidewalks at Ceresco.
Jaxn Kobza is working with a couple of different vendors to get ideas and preliminary quotes on the cost of adding remote door access to our campuses.

7.4.4. Important Upcoming Dates:

7.5. Facilities Report

7.6. Review of Technology Plan

Attachments: (1)

Technology November Board Report.docx

11/12/2022 at 1:04 PM

Discussion: Submitted by Jaxn Kobza, Technology Director
Infrastructure

Working on getting an idea of what we have in our network and creating a solid inventory of what we have.

Technology Projects

Working on Building a 7 year plan for all technology rotations and system implementations.
Getting the new website migrated and ready to go. Should be ready to be operational mid January.

Concerns

Working on securing our network and meeting the requirements for cyber insurance.
Still waiting for our servers to be built to start that project.

7.7. Board Committee Reports

7.7.1. Committee on American Civics (Breitkreutz-chair, Burklund, Matulka)

7.7.2. Transportation Committee (Breitkreutz-chair, Lange, Matulka)

7.7.3. Finance Committee (Blanchard-chair, Breitkreutz, Burklund)

7.7.4. Facilities Committee (Blanchard-chair, Burklund, Matulka)

7.7.5. Negotiations Committee (Blanchard-chair, Gould, Lange)

7.7.6. Curriculum Committee (Gould-chair, Burklund, Lange)

7.7.7. Policy Committee (Gould-chair, Lange, Matulka)

7.8. Review Public Forum Presentation(s) - Consider, discuss, and take all necessary action

8. Old Business

9. New Business

9.1. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to Approve an early graduation request

Discussion: Item tabled at this time.

9.2. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to Approve staff hires

Discussion: Motion by Matulka, second by Burklund to approve the hire of Jessica Knopp as HS SpEd Paraeducator. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.

9.3. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to Approve Staff Resignations

Discussion: Motion by Burklund, second by Breitkreutz to approve staff resignations of Miranda Basel, HS SpEd Paraeducator and Ronda Masek, HS SpEd Paraeducator. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.

9.4. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to Approve Substitute(s)

Discussion: Motion by Matulka, second by Lange to approve Breanna Chase, Erin Schwager and Ali Shull as substitute teachers. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.

9.5. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to approve student teachers

Discussion: Motion by Burklund, second by Lange to approve student teachers: Breanna Chase will be working with Rebecca Parks in Family and Consumer Science; Peyton Dubbert will be working with Celia Newman and Greg Wilmes in Mathematics; and Erin Schwager will be working with Jill Huck and Jenna Winfrey in English. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.

9.6. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to approve the purchase of a 2024 electric bus funded through a grant rebate

Attachments: (2)

Raymond Central 71 Jouley Seat Plan (1)

11/11/2022 at 3:51 PM
Raymond Central 2024 71 C2 Jouley (1)

11/11/2022 at 3:52 PM

Discussion: Raymond Central was chosen as a recipient of $395,000.00 for the EPA 2022 Clean School Bus Grant. Motion by Matulka, second by Breitkreutz to approve the purchase of a 2024 Thomas Electric Bus using grant funds. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.

9.7. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary action to approve snow removal bids

Attachments: (1)

Snow Removal

11/15/2022 at 2:00 PM

Discussion: Motion by Lange, second by Breitkreutz to approve snow removal bids from Proven Property Maintenance LLC at Ceresco Elementary for $270.00 per event; and from Haxton Excavating and Grading LLC at Valparaiso Elementary for $350.00 per event. RCV 5-Yes, 1-No (Matulka). Motion carried.

9.8. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to approve the superintendent's evaluation

Attachments: (1)

Scores

11/15/2022 at 2:49 PM

Discussion: Motion by Lange, second by Matulka to approve the Superintendent’s evaluation as presented. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.

10. Approval of Next Regular Board Meeting

Discussion: Motion by Blanchard, second by Burklund to approve the next Regular Board Meeting on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.

11. Adjournment

Discussion: Motion by Matulka, second by Breitkreutz to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 PM. RCV 6-0. Motion carried.

November 16, 2022 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

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