July 25, 2022 at 6:30 PM - Scottsbluff Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  No members of the public were present to speak.

Discussion:  LB 83 requires persons wishing to address the Board of Education to state their name, address, and any organization they represent, and this change is reflected within this updated policy.

Discussion:  This request is to obtain permission for all field trips for the next school year and will be sent out at the beginning of the year. Parents/guardians will then be notified 48 hours ahead of planned field trips and at that time parents/guardians will be able to opt in or out of any upcoming field trip. 

Discussion:  Dr. Wendy Kemling presented the revision of Board Policy 6600 to reflect the Nebraska Department of Education's newly developed Special Education guidelines. Minor changes are included that were recommended by Perry Law Firm. 

Discussion:  Beginning July 31, LB 83 requires the Board agenda and Board meeting minutes to be posted on District's website at least twenty-four hours before a scheduled meeting and must remain there for a minimum of six months. This policy revision reflects the new law. It was noted the District was already taking these actions prior to LB 83.

Discussion:  With the mass adoption of Scottsbluff Public School's Board policies in August 2021, the District was required to review all Board policies every two years. This revision changes the policy to require all Board policies be reviewed every four years. This change was approved by Perry Law Firm prior to presentation to the Board.

Discussion:  This revision includes updated Student Fees amounts. The changes reference adult price rates, which are determined by the reimbursable rate from NDE. Some other changes include correct amounts regarding the basic nursing program, as well as noting that the national trips are based on current travel costs.

Discussion:  Dr. Kemling noted the District has been intentional in addressing the mental health needs of students and has added multiple counselors over the last several years. Dr. Kemling recommended the addition of the special assignment position Director of Mental Health Counseling. This position would be a 6% is a portion of the base, which is consistent with the Director of Counseling. 

Discussion:  Last January the Board of Education granted permission to partner with the YMCA for a pilot program designed to provide 6th grade students with a discounted membership for $20 per month. The District was responsible for paying $5, the student was responsible for paying $5 (unless they qualify for Free and Reduced meals), and the YMCA is responsible for the remaining $10. The District is hoping to continue this program in the fall which might help to increase enrollment.

Discussion:  Due to recent higher product costs, the Scottsbluff High School Competition Gym Roof project is requiring an increased cost equaling $8,015.00. The District is also asking to remove sixteen existing skylights over the gym. The total for both of these changes is $14,879.

Discussion:  The District is requesting to set a rate for non-resident students who do not attend SBPS full-time. The full-time rate is $5,300. This does not affect Option students, only students who do not live in the state of Nebraska but would like to attend SBPS part-time. The recommendation is to prorate the full-time rate for the number of classes in which a student is enrolled. 

Discussion:  Because Fullen has transferred ownership to Beauty Haus, SBPS is requesting to contract with them to allow high school students to obtain post-secondary credits towards a cosmetology license. There will be an increased cost to $3.50 per hour. This contract will allow 2022-2023 seniors to complete this program as they started. Moving forward, these will be senior-level only classes, taught at Scottsbluff High School by a Beauty Haus instructor. This will give students a maximum of 300 hours of transferrable credit. 

Discussion:  This contract is for the 2022-2023 year and contains no language changes from last year's contract.

Discussion:  The District is asking for permission to use Bid It Bob's Auction services to dispose of items that the District no longer has a use for. If an item does not receive a bid, the District will either decide to keep the item or dispose in a different manner. The bidding will close August 1st. The items come from multiple storage areas of different schools. 

Discussion:  Travis Rickey recommended the purchase of new equipment due to the aging of the school District's current equipment. Purchasing this equipment will allow for increased efficiency in the maintenance department. The older equipment will be kept as back-ups for use. The recommendation is to award the bid to Ideal Linen for $32,593.29.

Discussion:  Pau Snyder remarked that he recently found his high school student handbook that was only 12 pages long and commented that things had changed very much. Lori Browning thanked those who took time to update the handbook. Ruth Kozal thanked the administrators for all the work they have already done this year. 

Discussion:  Dr. Dick remarked that he believes the principals had taken a very thoughtful approach in order to engage their staff, while also employing practices and data to evaluate effectiveness. There has been a tremendous amount of effort displayed, as is necessary to communicate clear expectations.