November 21, 2023 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Discussion:  President Sinner referenced the Nebraska Open Meetings Act as posted and noted that the Board reserves the right to rearrange the order of the agenda and to convene an executive session in accordance with § 84-1410. 

Discussion:  At this time, President Sinner presented a plaque to recognize former Board member Bill Knapper.  The Board thanked Mr. Knapper for his service in the ESU 13 Board of Education from 1999 to 2023.

Discussion: 

November 21, 2023 Approved Claims
Salaries, Benefits,	$  993,961.24
Prof. & Tech. Services; Mileage	$  112,063.27
Leases, Utilities & Maintenance	$    21,455.08
Copies, Postage, Telephone & Travel	$    83,342.96
Supplies, Materials, Software & other Util.	$    66,012.33
Bldg. Improvements: Furniture, Equipment, Hardware, Vehicle Acquisition	$             0.00
Dues, Fees & Ind. Costs	$       9,268.67
Total	$1,286,103.55

    

Discussion:  Calendar:

• November 22-24, 2023 - Thanksgiving break
• November 28-December 1, 2023 - AESA Annual Conference - Anaheim, CA (Barrett, Coon, Jones, Marx, Richards, Sinner, Winchester)
• December 13, 2023 - ESU 13 Administrative Advisory Council - 10:00 AM (Hosted From Chadron)
• December 15, 2023 - Meridian School Music Program - Conference  Rooms B/C - 1:00 PM
• December 19, 2023 - VALTS Graduation - HARMS Center Room 189 - 11:45 AM
• December 19, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting
• December 22, 2023 - January 4, 2024 - Winter Break

Discussion:  No Public Forum.

Discussion:  Head Start:
Krystie Hohnstein, Director of the Head Start program, presented Head Start and Early Head Start Governance Training to the Board. Items discussed included EHS/HS child eligibility; comprehensive child development services that focus on the whole child and family support; partnerships and collaboration that includes seven public school districts (total of 23 classrooms), ESU 13 programs, and community organizations. Other training topics were the management systems wheel of leadership and governance, program management, and individual systems.  The Head Start Act of 2007 describes the composition, roles and responsibilities of the HS/EHS agency governing bodies and Policy Councils. The Act, in conjunction with the HS program performance standards describes performance expectations regarding program governance. The grievance procedure for parents was also presented. The Head Start Bylaw revisions are made to member numbers according to increases in partnership classroom numbers. Links for Head Start A to Z, Program Goverence Reference Book and Head Start Performance Standards were provided. 

The 2024-2025 Head Start Continuation Grant focus areas were presented, which include continuous increase in mental health services and staff wellness, Birth to Five School Readiness plan, and Head Start five-year goals. 

Discussion:  Head Start Director's Report:
Krystie will share the Federal Review report when it is available.

The Poverty Simulation is being held on January 26, 2024, at the Gering Civic Center. There are two sessions, 9:00-12:00 and 1:00-4:00. Volunteers are needed. 

Discussion:  Board Member Training: Mr. Diemoz attended the State Education conference that was held November 15-17.  He reviewed the sessions he attended. 

Discussion:  Administrator's Report:
The 2022-2023 audit is being completed by Dana Cole & Company. The audit report will be reviewed when it is available. 
The Mid-Winter Conference is being held on February 19, 2024, and registrations are underway. There will be 48 sessions for educational professionals to attend. 
A facility update was given on the hail storm damage repairs, and the new bus barn. 
Dr. Barrett gave details from her meeting with WNCC staff regarding upcoming renovations to the Harms Advanced Technology Center. 
Dr. Barrett reviewed legislative updates.
The ESU 13 Technology team plans to write for a RUS DLT grant when they are made available. 

Discussion:  Board Committee Report:  The Policy Committee met prior to this Board meeting to discuss Article 3, Sections 1-5.  They reviewed Article 3, Section 5 amendment. No other changes to this Article are needed per committee.

Discussion:  Board Member Comments:
Tom Millette requested a report regarding the ESU 13 Foundation. Ray Richards is on the Board of the Foundation and gave a report on how this new organization is progressing. 

Dr. Winchester gave a report on the NRCSA meeting she attended. 

President Sinner informed the Board that we have a letter of interest to fill our Board vacancy. 

Discussion:  Business: 

Discussion:  Proposed amendment of Board Policy Article 3, Section 5 (D) Capital Asset Management was presented as first reading. 

Discussion:  Proposed amendment of Board Policy Article 3, Section 5 (E) Inventory of ESU #13 Property was presented as first reading.

Discussion:  President Sinner declared the meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm. The next regular meeting will be held on December 19, 2023, at 7:00 PM at the ESU 13 Main Office, 4215 Avenue I, Scottsbluff, NE.