November 9, 2021 at 12:00 PM - REGULAR MEETING

Discussion:  The regular business meeting of ESU 15 was called to order at 12:00 P.M. on November 09, 2021, via virtual conference.

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, Marty Conroy, Larry Gossen, Jason Loop, Don Remington, Kate Repass and Allison Sandman.

Discussion:  Absent board members: Chipman, Metzger and Stevens. Stevens arrived at 12:03pm.

Discussion:  Stephanie Malcom joined via video conference.

Discussion:  ESU 15, Staff Developer, Kelly Erickson updated the board on the School Improvements and PLCs that have been happening at the ESU. Schools are short-staffed, so only about one person per school have been able to attend PLCs. The new ELA standards have changed and Marazano training has been updated by eight of the nine schools.  Kelly will be working more with new teachers in the second half of the year along with catching up with teachers that were unable to attend the PLCs. 

ESU 15, SPED Director, John Hanson updated the board on the progress of the school district's final financial submissions for the year. Mr. Hanson also updated the board on how the Mental Health program is doing and schools are very happy with this new service. 

Discussion:  November Payables of $137,575.85 and Payroll of $75,278.76.

Discussion:  Action Item 4B was tabled. Mr. Calvert had not received the needed information from UNO at this time.

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert updated the board on the Steering Committee meeting.  Social Media to build awareness has been decided on as a goal. Board member Stevens was invited to attend the Steering Committee meeting. His expertise in radio will be a big help to get started with a jingle that could be used on our website, on the radio, for special speakers, ads and commercials. 

Discussion:  Administrator salary increase was negotiated to be the same increase as certified staff. 

Discussion:  The Technology Coordinator's salary was approved at a rate of $4000 increase for the 2022-23 fiscal year and $4000 increase for the 2023-24 fiscal year. 

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert updated the board on the EHA health premiums for next year. There is a 5.2% increase in the premiums, and increased coverage as well. 

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert updated the board on the State School Board Convention. Dennis Chipman will not be able to attend this year. Jason Loop indicated he may be able to vote for ESU 15.

Discussion:  The December 8 board meeting will be at 6pm CST at Skyline in Benkelman, NE.   

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert updated the board on the employee Christmas gift certificates. 

Discussion:  Mr. Calvert updated the board on a security program, Resolute Guard, that Todd and he had been working on. They look at various policies on cybersecurity and where it can be improved and network checks to find any weak spots. 
The back part of the roof in the McCook office has water damage and will need to be fixed. The first estimate came in at around $17,000. 
Upcoming events:
- The National Convention will be in the first week of December in Houston, TX. 
- Superintendents meeting scheduled for Dec 21, 2021. 
 

Discussion:  Kate Repass updated the board on the Administrator evaluations. Mr. Calvert scored above average and the board thanked him for his services. 

Discussion:  The meeting adjourned at 12:38 pm.  The next Board Meeting is December 8, 2021, at Skyline in Benkelman, NE @ 6pm.