August 8, 2022 at 6:00 PM - Scottsbluff Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  No member of the public was present to address the Board.

Discussion:  This change to the Board policy, which also reflects the changes to LB 83, allows members of the public to address the Board of Education. Those wishing to speak at a Board meeting must identify themselves, including the name and address of any organization they represent. Each individual must also sign-in prior to the beginning of the "Public Comment" agenda item. Ruth Kozal inquired about the time allotments per speaker. Marianne Carlson responded that each speaker is limited to four minutes and the total time for public comment will not exceed one hour.

Discussion:  The change in this policy reinforces dress code requirements for the graduation ceremony in response to concerns that have arisen over the past year. The commencement ceremony, including the dress code of the graduating students, remains focused on academic awards and recognition. The change clarifies that school issued items are not permitted to be decorated or changed. Students may only wear school issued items outside the gown. This is a first reading, no motion is required.

Discussion:  This agreement with Twin Cities Development provides students with the instruction and practical application of skills taught in the high school's Construction Trades Program. This agreement differs from the previous agreement in that SBPS students will be "rehabbing" a home to help restore an existing neighborhood, which was the initial concept for this idea. The prior agreement involved students completing new construction projects, which created unwanted competition with local contractors. Due to this change, students will be able to hone more practical skills (including installing drywall, painting, helping with electrical tasks under the supervision of a professional, etc) that they were not able to under the previous agreement and therefore less subcontracting will be involved. The students will also have more autonomy to decide the finishes on the home and will be afforded as much time as needed to practice and apply their skills. Regardless of completion, the house will be turned back over to Twin Cities Development, which lowers the financial risk to the District. Ruth Kozal commented she would like to see before and after photographs of the project.

 

Discussion:  This resolution is for the QCPUF funding for the amount of $0.03 for the 2022 year to be collected in the 2023 year. The funds will be allocated towards the restoring of the Bluffs Middle School parking lot, the total cost of which is $665,000. This project does not require a bond, but instead is "pay as you go." Ruth Kozal noted the SHS parking lot was completed with QCPUF funds as well. 

Discussion:  The smaller changes made to this handbook reflect the current 2022-2023 school year dates, an updated link to employee access information, updated building principals and secretaries, and other minor changes such as spacing and formatting. The major change reflects an increase in the substitute rate, which is $10.00 per day across the board for all categories. Ruth Kozal asked what the status of the current substitute pool is. Marianne Carlson responded there are strategies being implemented to increase the number of available substitutes.

Discussion:  Several minor changes were made to the 2022-2023 Staff Handbook, including updating the school year calendar and dates, updating the Strategic Planning flow chart, insurance information for both certified and classified staff, minor modifications in the dress code language, prorating leave for classified staff who resign prior to the end of the year, updated links for the employee self-service site, amended language under grading practices for SHS as well as amended language for final exams, updated costs for adult meals, and amended language regarding school inventory to better reflect current policies. A new addition includes allocating pay to teachers who are required to absorb students into their classroom (when students are moved or split from another classroom) due to an unfilled absence, with a threshold of longer than one hour. 
 

Discussion:  Ruth Kozal welcomed back the administrators and staff who were present at the Board meeting.

Discussion:  The Curriculum & Instruction/American Committee has nothing to report at this time.

Discussion:  The Facility Committee has nothing to report at this time.

Discussion:  The Finance Committee has nothing to report at this time.

Discussion:  The Student Services Committee has nothing to report at this time.

Discussion:  Dr. Andrew Dick commented on the District's preparedness for the coming year and stated that the District welcomed twenty-one new certificated staff this morning. He also noted all new classified staff attended training this afternoon at the District office and teachers will have a full schedule of professional development and training along with time to work in their home buildings over the coming week. Dr. Dick informed the Board that the All Staff meeting will be taking place at the Midwest Theater on Thursday August 11th and the first day of the 2022-2023 year is August 18th. He acknowledged that both the Facilities team and the District's contractors have been working diligently to complete renovations at Longfellow prior to the beginning of school and he commended the Longfellow administration team for their flexibility, stating they have remained positive and upbeat, making short-term sacrifices for long-term gains. He welcomed the Board to tour Longfellow on August 9th at 2:00 PM. 

Discussion:  Ruth Kozal noted Reconnect Graduation will be held on August 17th at 5:30 PM at Bluffs Middle School.