October 9, 2023 at 6:00 PM - Scottsbluff Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  The October Regular Board of Education meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Board President Scott Reisig.

Discussion:  This meeting was held in accordance to the Open Meetings Act. Notice of this meeting was published in the Star-Herald and on the Scottsbluff Public Schools website.

Discussion:  SHS senior Ava Reed stated September was a very good month for the students of Scottsbluff High School. The Girls Softball team won the district championship and will be competing in the upcoming state competition. The Girls Golf team is currently competing in the state tournament. The SHS eSports team held their first annual tournament this past weekend and the Math team set a new school record for the most students to place at the UNO Math Contest. The students of SHS were visited last week by the State Board of Education, who had positive things to say about Scottsbluff High School and the students they met. Old West Band Fest is taking place this coming weekend. Homecoming week will take place next week. Ava thanked the Board of Education for their continued support and for making these opportunities available to all students.

Discussion:  Lincoln Heights Elementary Principal Jeremy Behnke and Assistant Principal Krystal Rodriguez provided an update on Lincoln Heights Elementary.

Discussion:  Board member Beth Merrigan stated she attended the recent Apply 2 College Day at Scottsbluff High School. She commented it was neat to see the various colleges present and to see the students being engaged and excited at the opportunities in front of them. Beth thanked the administrative team for their efforts and the time that has been invested in grant writing, stating she continues to be amazed each time a grant is received. Beth noted these grants do so much for our district and our students.

Board President Scott Reisig commented he is amazed by the amount of events happening throughout the District and stated the District has a wonderful staff who display an amazing amount of commitment to our students.

Board member Rob Polk thanked the staff for their efforts, noting that he has experience in the classroom and understands how difficult it can be.

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Discussion:  Executive Director of Finance Marianne Carlson gave an update regarding the onsite audit that occurred last week at the District Office. She stated the auditors are completing the remaining work from their offices, and will have the final audit report for the 2022-2023 year at a future meeting.

Discussion:  Executive Director of Student Services Dr. Wendy Kemling commented that the State Director of Special Education, Amy Rhone, visited a few district buildings last week, where she commented that she was impressed by SBPS educators and what she saw throughout the District. Dr. Kemling stated State Special Education staff will possibly return for a visit in February and/or April 2024.

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Discussion:  Superintendent Dr. Andrew Dick recognized the three retirements approved by the Board this evening and thanked these retirees for their many years of service.

Dr. Dick noted that in a matter of nine days, Scottsbluff Public Schools hosted Governor Pillen and the First Lady, as well as the State Board of Education along with the Commissioner of Education. Dr. Dick stated this was a rare and special opportunity, noting in the past 20 years the State Board of Education has never visited Scottsbluff Public Schools. He noted this was a memorable time and it is difficult to capture how positive the feedback was from the Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education. Dr. Dick thanked Director of Communications Melissa Price for coordinating the events that allowed us to tell our story. He also thanked Director of Safety and Security James Todd and his team, Director of Facilities Travis Rickey and his team, as well as Director of IT David Davis and his team for the work and preparation that was required for these visits. Dr. Dick noted the State Board of Education began their tour of SBPS with a visit to the Early Childhood program at Roosevelt Elementary, then continued on to Westmoor Elementary to view ELA and Bridges lessons. The State Board then attended a luncheon at the Platte Valley Community Center where SBPS staff gave a presentation on the Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System, as well as a presentation on Safety and Security in the District. From there, they traveled to Aulicks to view the District's diesel tech and the electrical tech programs, and to learn about plans to expand into an HVAC program. The State Board then concluded their visit with a tour of Scottsbluff High School to learn more about the SHS Peer-Para Program and Career Academies. Dr. Dick commented it was a remarkable day and it was our honor to host the State Board and the Commissioner to provide a glimpse of what we do every day at Scottsbluff Public Schools.

Dr. Dick commended the District's girls sports teams, noting the girls golf team and the softball team won district championships, and the volleyball team won Western Conference. Dr. Dick stated the SHS eSports team held their inaugural tournament last weekend. He noted this event was full of energy and excitement and the students had fun showing off their skills in this area.

In conclusion, Dr. Dick noted that at the recent State Board of Education meeting, Scottsbluff Public Schools was one of a handful of districts awarded a grant. SBPS received a three-year grant, a Stronger Connections Grant, totaling $255,000 in support of safety and security initiatives. He thanked Executive Director of Student Services Dr. Wendy Kemling for her work on those grants, as well as all those who contributed to the process.

Discussion:  Board of Education Meeting adjourned at 7:22 PM.