October 14, 2020 at 7:30 PM - REGULAR MEETING

Discussion:  The regular business meeting of ESU 15 was called to order at 7:30 P.M. on October 14, 2020, at ESU 15 Trenton Office and DL.

Discussion:  Pledge of Allegiance was cited.

Discussion:  President Repass advised every one of the open meetings act being posted and available.

Discussion:  President Repass verified that the ESU 15 Board meeting was advertised according to policy.

Discussion:  Present were: Cheri Burke, Dennis Chipman, Marty Conroy, Dave Jibben,  Jason Loop, Kate Repass and Allison Sandman.

Discussion:  Absent board members: None

Discussion:  Sped Director, John Hanson, with ESU 15 updated on the final financial reports for the schools. District are spending less last year on sped services because covid. Districts can spend less from one year to next for example replace sped teacher, purchase of a high price item, or high price child is no longer responsibility of the district. Less transportation costs, fewer paras, no physical therapy, local hospitals, counseling services contributed to lower costs. If a district doesn't meet the requirements then they get less reimbursement from NDE.

Target Improvement Plans- all district must complete and a training is scheduled in Trenton to be held on Oct 20 and 22, 2020. With covid-19 we are splitting the school districts into two groups for the training so social distancing guidelines can be met. 

Speech path coverage is low and we have hired Global Tele-Therapy Services along with hired 3 paras. Things are going very well with these services.  NDE reimbursement for SPED is 50% through state and 25% is from Federal funds. 

Discussion:  October Payables of $136,036.88 and Payroll of $72,689.07.

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert updated the board on the Annual Report. 

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert explained that these are revisions. - Board meeting have to be published in paper and website of paper if available.
 

Discussion:  Action item was tabled. 

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert explained the updated plan as the CDC has changed guidelines. 

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert updated the board on the state convention, they are limited to 500 people in person and then the rest are virtually. Calvert, Chipman and Metzger are registered to attend in person. 

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert updated the board on the district area meetings and they will all be virtually, all board members are registered.  Board memember Sandman attended virtually and thought they did a wonderful job. If board memebers were unable to attend live it can be played back.

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert updated the board on the Call to Action Conference. This year it was virtual. What is going on in the federal level:
-teachers are retiring and starting tutoring services
-not all schools are open with students attending in person
-schools should be planning to do assessments-what was lost along with what is gained that can be measured
-what will become the new "normal"
-Senator Sasse and Congressman Smith were on the call
-connectivity and computers are a problem
-extra funding in erate funding can accommodate this for schools the easiest
-private companies are giving away software or offering it at a very cheap rate
-mental health is an issue- one Nebraska ESU has had 3 suicide attempts in last few weeks

BW Telecom and Great Plains Communication- give them a big thank you. They installed services to families that did not have internet.

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert updated the board on the COOP Purchasing for 2019-20.  Schools in our ESU saved $79,000. 

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert updated the board on staff and quarantined employees.
We are in the orange on SWNE Health Dept. dial. Wallace and Franklin Schools are closing for two weeks due to positive cases.  

Mr. Calvert asked the board to get him any suggestions for the new website.

Christmas dinner- this year Casha and Danny O'Byrne will be doing our meal at the ESU in Trenton. 

Mr. Calvert updated the board on the roof project and it is being finished. Also, with the front door for the McCook Office is on back order, but hope to have it installed soon.

 

Discussion:  Board member Sandman shared that the NASB wants her to be on a Equality Collaborated Committee.  

Discussion:  Adjourned meeting at 8:17pm. The next board meeting will be November 12 @ Noon via DL.