May 10, 2023 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
| Minutes |
|---|
|
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Discussion:
President Breitkreutz called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.
|
|
2. Motion to Excuse Board Member's Absence
Discussion:
Motion by Matulka, second by Lange to excuse the absence of Matt Blanchard. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
|
|
3. Open Meeting Law
Discussion:
The audience was reminded that Open Meeting Laws would be followed.
|
|
4. District Mission Statement
The Raymond Central community is committed to providing a positive, challenging learning environment which prepares each individual to be a responsible citizen in an ever-changing society. |
|
5. Consent Agenda
Discussion:
Motion by Benes, second by Matulka to approve the consent agenda as presented including the regular meeting minutes of April 12, 2023; April financial statement; and monthly bills. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
|
|
5.1. Regular Minutes of April 12, 2023
Attachments:
()
|
|
5.2. Financial Statement/Report
Attachments:
()
|
|
5.3. Monthly Bills
Attachments:
()
|
|
6. Correspondence/Recognition
Discussion:
Shannon Volger, Director of the Midwest Region with Cognia, presented a framed certificate and banner to Raymond Central for their 50th year of engagement with the regionally accredited institution.
Congratulations to the girls soccer team and to the boys baseball team on being district runner-ups. Kudo's to the directors, cast and crew of the Raymond Central Musical. They gave four performances this past weekend and did a great job. Congratulations to the 48 seniors who will be receiving their diplomas this Saturday. Congratulations and kudo's to Lori Morgan who was awarded a Burns/McDonnel STEM Grant in the amount of $622.00 for curriculum materials. |
|
7. Public Forum
Discussion:
Hailey Drahota addressed the Board regarding the results of the bond election.
|
|
8. Reports
|
|
8.1. Administrative Reports
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
Submitted by Scott Shepard, Jr-Sr High School Principal
Student Engagement - As we wrap up the school year, the seniors are preparing for graduation next Saturday, May 13 at 2:00 PM. Please plan to arrive by 1:45 and meet in the Mustang room. We will have seating for the Board on the stage. Let me or Lynn know if you will not be in attendance. Seniors last day will be Wednesday starting with breakfast, check out, a visit to the elementary schools and then senior signing and faculty basketball game. It should be a great day to recognize and send off our seniors. All spring testing was completed this week. All juniors took the state required ACT and we are receiving some of those scores back. The 9th and 10th graders have taken the MAP tests and the NSCAS was given to the 6th-8th graders. We will report on the results of the tests in June. Community Engagement - The musical "Singing in the Rain" will be performed May 5-7, . 7:00 pm each evening and a 2:00 matinee on Sunday. Hopefully you all get a chance to come out. Tony will include the information in his report, but I want to thank Tony and Laura for organizing end of the year awards nights for athletics and activities. This is a lot of work, but important to honor students and their families for all of their accomplishments this year. Schedule for 2023-24 - We are continuing to set the master schedule for next year. It has been a difficult process of trying to meet the needs of individual students while making educationally and financially sound decisions of what classes to run. Not filling the ELA/Sped position at this time creates some concern on my part in not knowing exactly what the strengths of the individual teacher in that position will be for next year. Staffing - As of this morning, we have interviewed 3 people for the potential ELA (6th-7th grade Reading). We offered one and he took a job in LPS. The other two were not employable. As I described two months ago, we are looking for either a junior high sped teacher or we will move Johanna Jackson to that position if we can find an ELA teacher to cover for her. Several of our initiatives for next year hinge on finding a quality person for this position. This continues to be the most unique hiring season that I have experienced in my 20 year career as a principal. Although it is difficult, we will continue to search until we find high quality people to work with our students! Future Planning - One of our school improvement goals is in the area of reading. I have met with our new liaison from ESU to plan out our PD days for next year. She will be working with our leadership team this summer to plan the day to teach reading across all curricular areas. She also has some connections (that I was hoping to find) to work with our staff on engaging activities for students in the block schedule. I believe this will be engaging for our staff and in turn for our students. I am attaching three "proposals" that I have given to Lynn as we consider supporting our students moving forward. I understand this is a process and we have to move slowly, especially when we are limited on resources. We will have a system to support, motivate and hold students more accountable next year. But it takes more than a system, it takes people that are able to carry out the plans and follow-up with and support students when they need it. This year has been a struggle at times as most of our office time has been spent dealing with social emotional and behavioral issues with our 6th-8th grade students. This challenge will be addressed, but in the near future, I believe we need to consider a 6th-8th counselor. The behavioral interventionist that we are trying to hire will assist, but I believe we will need more staff to truly meet the needs of these students and families. I appreciate the support from Lynn and board! Go Stangs! Submitted by Tony Kobza, Asst Jr-Sr High School Principal/Athletic Director Spring Musical - We hosted our Spring Musical, "Singin’ in the Rain" the weekend of May 5, 6 and 7. Athletics - Spring Sports are in full swing and we will start having postseason play and competition in one month. To celebrate the accomplishments of the athletes throughout the entire year we will be having an end of year Athletic Banquet on Monday, May 15th. All athletes that participated in an NSAA sanctioned event this year will be invited along with their families. Submitted by Steve Rose, Elementary Principal and Deb Kruse, Assistant Elementary Principal Wit & Wisdom / ELL Curriculum - Deb, Steve, and Monica are working on a master schedule to accommodate all of the components of the effective implementation of our new reading curriculum. We are working with guidelines from NDE, Wit & Wisdom, and the leading research on what will have the greatest impact on student achievement. Teachers are slated to begin their week long Orton Gillingham training at the beginning of June and Wit & Wisdom training will happen at the beginning of August. New materials have already begun to ship. We met with the staff and our ESU support during the April 26th late start to lay out the implementation plan for next Fall and how we will support teachers throughout the year. MTSS-B School-Wide Expectations - The Teacher Leadership team as part of our work on MTSS-B (behavior) is working with the administration to develop school-wide expectations and language that can be used across our campuses. The process has been to identify the common areas we need to have expectations for, and define what it looks like to be safe, responsible, and respectful in those areas. The team has now been tasked with creating a lesson template and lessons to go along with each of these expectations so that they may be taught consistently by all teachers and across all grade levels. In addition to our Teacher Leadership Team’s work on MTSS-B the staff will be going through a program called Cultural Connections with Mike Feit from ESU 2. This will be our Tier 1 in the MTSS-B Process. It will be what is expected of all classrooms and all teachers. This will enhance our implementation of school-wide expectations within the classrooms and give teachers tools and strategies to increase positive interactions with students. Deb and Steve are also working on a flow chart for behavior data tracking especially in the area of Minor incidents and defining the difference between Majors and Minors as well as giving teachers the process for how each is dealt with from a teacher managed level and an office managed level. We will also be working to provide skills and strategies for behavior management and intervention centered around that flow chart. Assessments - The school has just finished taking the NSCAS Growth (3-8), NWEA Map (2nd), and the FastBridge Screener (K-5). We will be looking at data as it becomes available and hope to have some preliminary data to share at the June Board Meeting. We are hopeful to see improvements. Change will be slow, but with the support we are giving teachers in the classroom and the new curricular materials that we are implementing next year, we plan to see improvements. Submitted by Amanda Coufal, Director of Special Education NASES (Nebraska Association of Special Education Supervisors) Spring Conference: Andrea Hicks (HS SpEd teacher) and I attended the NASES Spring Conference in Lincoln on April 13-14. SPED Strategies presented information about Utilizing High-Quality IEPs for Instructional Planning: 1) Determining what is and is not inclusive education; and 2) Discussed Inclusive Communication Framework: focus on the positive, keep the end in mind, communicate thoughtfully, acknowledge emotion, identify a shared solution. Karen Haase, school attorney, presented on Assessing What We Know and What We Are Learning About Compliance: 1) Reviewed law cases about non-compliance in schools; 2) The use of positive behavior strategies and documenting implementation; 3) Revies of accommodations/modifications: frequency, location and duration. May is Better Speech & Hearing Month (from Clair Trenhaile (SLP): Each May, the work of speech-language pathologists and audiologists is recognized as the two fields work together to ensure the human right of effective communication is accessible and achievable for all. This month, take the time to turn down the music in your headphones (damage to the hair cells in your inner ear can contribute to hearing loss) and drink more water (high consumption of caffeine and alcohol can negatively impact your vocal hygiene). In the United States, 5-10% of the population has a communication disorder. In the education realm, this can include but is not limited to articulation and language disorders, as well as stuttering. In our district, the most common target for articulation therapy is /r/. Some students target what is known as consonant /r/, which is usually found at the beginning of a word (like in "red"), and is sometimes paired with another consonant to form a blend (like in "bread). Other students target vocalic /r/, which is usually found in the middle or at the end of the word. This includes "ear" as in "hear" and "ire" as in "fireman." To help teach correct placement for this tricky sound, I use a variety of methods, including a flavored tongue depressor, a large mouth model, and play doh. Students work up a complexity hierarchy, moving through syllable, word, phrase, sentence, and conversational levels before mastering the sound. Unified Track Meet: The Special Olympics Unified Track Meet was held on Wednesday, May 3rd in Ashland. It was a beautiful day of track for our athletes and partners. If you have never been to a unified event, I encourage you to attend. A special thank you to Stacey Doan, Jody Albrecht and Michelle Gerdes for all of their hard work so 12 of our students could participate in such a neat opportunity. |
|
8.2. Superintendent's Report
Attachments:
()
|
|
8.2.1. NASB Monthly Update
Attachments:
()
|
|
8.2.2. 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. |
|
8.2.3. Safety Report
|
|
8.2.4. Important Upcoming Dates:
|
|
8.3. Facilities Report
|
|
8.4. Review of Technology Plan
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
Submitted by Jaxn Kobza, Technology Director
Technology Projects Purchase of new web filter and student wellness platform Hapara(New). This will cost 10,140.00. Our old system would have cost $15.593. This gives us all the same features but gives more control to our teachers and is more educationally focused. Approve Access Control system for JH/HS. The system I am recommending is Alta (formally open path). Alta was just acquired by Motorola. With this acquisition we will be able to integrate with our current camera system. This system allows a lot more flexibility on management and usage of the system. Miscellaneous Our network upgrade for Val and Ceresco is scheduled for the week of June 12-16. |
|
8.5. Board Committee Reports
|
|
8.5.1. Curriculum & American Civics Committee (Burklund-chair, Lange, Matulka)
|
|
8.5.2. Facilities & Transportation Committee (Blanchard-chair, Burklund, Matulka)
|
|
8.5.3. Finance Committee (Blanchard-chair, Breitkreutz, Burklund)
|
|
8.5.4. Negotiations Committee (Blanchard-chair, Benes, Lange)
|
|
8.5.5. Policy Committee (Breitkreutz-chair, Benes, Lange)
|
|
9. Old Business
|
|
9.1. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to approve the student technology filter and wellness system
Discussion:
Motion by Matulka, second by Benes to approve a one year purchase of Hapara for $10,140.00 as the student technology filter to replace GoGuardian. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
|
|
10. New Business
|
|
10.1. Consider, Discuss and Take Necessary Action to Approve Staff Resignations
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
Motion by Matulka, second by Lange to approve staff resignations: Heather Bohac, Ceresco Kindergarten; Julie Mueller, SpEd Para; Dave Christensen, Ceresco Custodian; and Steve Oppliger, Bus Driver. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
|
|
10.2. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to Approve Staff Hires
Discussion:
Motion by Lange, second by Matulka to approve staff hires: Makenzie Fredrickson, Ceresco Kindergarten, BA, Step 3; Makenna Metzler, Ceresco 5th Grade, BA, Step 1 (Abby Spangler will move to 3rd Grade); Faith Boyd, 3 Yr Old Preschool Teacher, Substitute Teacher, Assist in facilitation of Birth to 3 services; Angie Marshalek, HS Cook; Nikki Haas, 3 Yr Old Preschool Para; Allison Prorock, 3 Yr Old Preschool Para; Callie Mulnix, Asst Volleyball; and Monte Mumm, Asst JH Wrestling. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
|
|
10.3. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to approve the special education contract with ESU#2 for the 2023-24 school year
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
Motion by Matulka, second by Burklund to approve the 2023-2024 Special Education Services Contract with ESU#2 for $95,773.00. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
|
|
10.4. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to approve new staffing position(s)
Discussion:
Motion by Matulka, second by Benes to approve the new staffing position of Behavioral Interventionist. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
|
|
10.5. Discuss, Consider to accept policies 2000 Functional Principal of Administration, 2100 Superintendent of Schools, 2120 Superintendents Evaluation, 2120A - 360 Evaluation for Superintendent Regulation, 2200 Administrator Evaluation, 2215 Duties of the Principal, 2225 Duties of the Assistant Principal, 2400 Line of Authority, 2405 Organizational Units, 2410 Administrative Actions in Emergencies, 2420 Staff Handbooks, 2440 Administrative Action in Absence of Policy as reviewed.
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
The following policies were reviewed with no changes: 2000 Functional Principle of Administration; 2100 Superintendent of Schools; 2120 Superintendent’s Evaluation; 2120A-Superintendent 360 Evaluation; 2200 Administrator Evaluation; 2215 Duties of the Principal; 2225 Duties of the Assistant Principal; 2400 Line of Authority; 2405 Organizational Units; 2410 Administrative Actions in Emergencies; 2420 Staff Handbooks; and 2440 Administrative Action in Absence of Policy.
|
|
10.6. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to approve changes to the following policies as presented: 2010 Election of Administrative Personnel; 2015 Additional District Administrative Positions; 2110 Duties of the Superintendent of Schools; 2110A Superintendent Job Description Regulation; 2120B Standard Form Evaluation for Superintendent Regulation; 2200AR Principal/Assistant Principal/Special Education Director Evaluation Regulation; 2210 Principals/Directors, 2215A Principal Job Description; 2220 Assistant Principal; 2225 Assistant Principal Job Description; 2230 Duties of the Special Education Director; 2300 Special Education Job Description; 2305 Evaluation Instrument for Special Education Director; 2310 Student Services Director Job Description; 2320 Curriculum Job Description; 2405.1 AR District Organizational Chart; 2430 Attendance at Professional Growth Meetings
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
Motion by Matulka, second by Benes to approve changes to the following policies as presented: 2010 Election of Administrative Personnel; 2015 Additional District Administrative Positions; 2110 Duties of the Superintendent of Schools; 2110A Superintendent Job Description; 2120B NASB Standard Form Superintendent Evaluation Instrument; 2200AR Principal/Assistant Principal/Special Education Director Evaluation Regulation; 2210 Principalship/Directors, 2215A Principal Job Description; 2220 Assistant Principalship; 2225A Assistant Principal Job Description; 2230 Duties of the Special Education Director; 2300 Special Education Director Job Description; 2305 Special Education Director Evaluation; 2310 Student Services Director Job Description; 2320 Curriculum Director Job Description; 2405.1 AR District Organizational Chart; 2430 Attendance at Professional Growth Meetings. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
|
|
10.7. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to approve door access security system for the Jr/Sr High School
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
Motion by Benes, second by Matulka to accept the Alta Access Control System proposal from Kidwell at a cost of $70,227.00. Door access has been identified as a critical safety need. It will be implemented at the Jr-Sr High School and piloted before adding at the elementaries. This will be funded through the building fund, however, Superintendent Johnson is in the process of applying for a grant that would cover the door access as well as film and wrap for windows. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
|
|
10.8. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to approve a quote from Tint Revolution for security film on all glass doors at the Jr/Sr High campus
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
Motion by Matulka, second by Lange to approve quotes from Tint Revolution for security film on exterior glass doors at both elementary buildings and the Jr-Sr High School ($27,252.50); and from Revolution Wrap for window wraps on higher traffic areas at the Jr-Sr High School to minimize visibility into the building and enhance safety ($5,069.05). RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
|
|
10.9. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to approve a quote from Revolution Wrap to enhance safety and privacy on certain glass entrances at the Jr/Sr High School
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
See motion in Agenda item 10.8.
|
|
10.10. Discuss, Consider and Take Necessary Action to approve a quote from Tint Revolution to enhance safety on certain glass entrances at Valparaiso Elementary and Ceresco Elementary
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
See motion in Agenda item 10.8.
|
|
11. Next Regular Board Meeting
Discussion:
The next regular Board of Education meeting will be Wednesday, June 14, 2023. A Board Workshop will be held on Thursday, June 29 with site to be determined.
|
|
12. Adjournment
Discussion:
Motion by Lange, second by Matulka to adjourn the meeting at 7:17 PM. RCV 5-0. Motion carried.
|
