May 13, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Scottsbluff Board of Education Regular Meeting
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1. Opening Procedures
Discussion:
The Regular Board of Education meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by President Scott Reisig.
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1.a. Call to Order
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1.b. Roll Call
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1.c. Excuse Absent Member(s)
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2. Pledge of Allegiance
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3. Open Meetings Law
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.
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4. Consent Agenda
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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4.a. Adopt Agenda
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4.b. Approval of Certified Staff Hire
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4.b.1. Amy Kicken, Registered Nurse, Scottsbluff Public Schools
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4.c. Approval of Certified Staff Resignation
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4.c.1. Dathan Brestel, Special Education, SBPS
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4.c.2. Wendee Powell, Assistant Principal, Longfellow Elementary
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4.d. Approve Minutes as follows:
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4.d.1. April 8, 2024
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5. Expenditures
Attachments:
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5.a. Expenditures without Douglas, Kelly, Ostdiek, Snyder, Ossian and Vogl, P.C, Tree Monkeys LLC, and Tory Schwartz: $1,200,177.43
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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5.b. Douglas, Kelly, Ostdiek, Snyder, Ossian and Vogl, P.C. Expenditures: $1,687.75
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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5.c. Tree Monkeys LLC Expenditures: $2,000.00
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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6. Awards and Recognitions
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6.a. Educators Rising
Speaker(s):
Anne Schmall
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School Educators Rising Sponsor Anne Schmall spoke.
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6.b. FCCLA
Speaker(s):
Anne Schmall
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School FCCLA Sponsor Anne Schmall spoke.
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6.c. Speech
Speaker(s):
Darren Emerick
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School Speech Coach Darren Emerick and Assistant Speech Coach Ashley Jackson spoke.
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6.d. Journalism
Speaker(s):
Marqui Keim
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6.e. ProStart
Speaker(s):
Hannah Liptac
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School ProStart Sponsor Hannah Liptac spoke.
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6.f. SkillsUSA
Speaker(s):
Rodney Bussinger
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School SkillsUSA Sponsor Rod Bussinger spoke.
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6.g. Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy
Speaker(s):
Dr. Amanda Wilson, Sarah Soto, & Angie Hinze
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School World Language Instructors Dr. Amanda Wilson and Sarah Soto spoke.
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7. Public Comment - a total of 60 minutes will be allotted (no more than 4 minutes per speaker).
Discussion:
The following member of the public addressed the Board of Education during Public Comment:
- Judy Amoo, Scottsbluff |
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8. Student Report
Speaker(s):
Ava Reed
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School sophomore George Schmall addressed the Board: "We have had another year filled with great accomplishments at Scottsbluff High School. We had numerous state appearances in athletics and Career Student Organizations, an individual State Champion, another incredible musical and a large number of students qualifying for All-State Choir, Band, and Orchestra and this year isn’t even finished yet. Girls’ Tennis, Boys’ Golf, and track state qualifiers are gearing up to finish their seasons strong and we wish them all the best of luck. This past week was one of celebrations as Seniors completed their last day on May 10th and we showered our teachers with appreciation all week long. Thank you to Webb’s for providing donuts to our senior students on their final day at SHS. This week students and teachers prepare for upcoming finals and to make one final push across the finish line. The Activity Awards Banquet is tonight and seniors will again be recognized on Thursday evening during Senior Awards Night with graduation to follow on Sunday. Lastly, we’d like to thank the board of education for your continued support of students at SHS. We look forward to a restful summer and wish all of you the same."
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9. Update
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9.a. Bear Cub Preschool
Speaker(s):
Dr. Bree Rock
Discussion:
Bear Cub Preschool Principal Dr. Bree Rock, Speech/Language Pathologist Sarah Billingsley, Bear Cub Teacher Jessica Dutton, and Jack Baker for JEO Consulting Group spoke.
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10. Unfinished Business
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10.a. Board Policy Revisions and Adoption: Policy 3560 - “Records Management and Disposition”, Policy 4170 - “Leave of Absence”, Policy 6270 - “Regulations for School Trips,” and Policy 6271 - “Supervision of Students on Overnight Trips” - Second Reading
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
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11. New Business
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11.a. Board Policy Revision, Adoption, and Removal: Policy 1050 - “Public Access to School Records - Examination, Making Memoranda, and Copying,” Policy 3130 - “Purchasing Policies,” Policy 3571 - “Meal Charge Policy,” Policy 4141 - “Teacher Training,” Policy 5006 - “Option Enrollment,” Policy 5008 - “Attendance Policy and Excessive Absenteeism,” Policy 5101 - “Student Discipline,” Policy 5201 - “Promotion and Retention,” Policy 5205 - “Graduation,” Policy 6111 - “Classroom Environment,” Policy 6310 - “Textbook Loans,” Policy 8240 - “Membership in School Board Associations,” Policy 8346 - “Public Participation at Board Meetings” - First Reading
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11.b. 2024-2025 PAWS Calendar
Speaker(s):
Jeremy Behnke
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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11.c. 2024-2025 PAWS Transitional Program Calendar
Speaker(s):
Jana Mason
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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11.d. Grades 3-5 Magnetic Reading Textbook Adoption
Speaker(s):
Mike Mason
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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11.e. Technical Mathematics Textbook Adoption
Speaker(s):
Mike Mason
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
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11.f. Human Growth and Development Textbook Adoption
Speaker(s):
Mike Mason
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
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11.g. Crossing Guard Agreement
Speaker(s):
James Todd
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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11.h. Longfellow Elementary Repointing of the Exterior
Speaker(s):
Marianne Carlson
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
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12. Reports and Proposals
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12.a. Board Members
Discussion:
Board Member Tory Schwartz expressed gratitude to the entire SBPS staff. Schwartz commented he hoped the staff could decompress and recharge over the summer.
Board Member Paul Snyder spoke in response to the public comment given at this meeting. Snyder commented he was displeased at the general castigation of the Board, particularly when not all the members of the current Board were present for the occurrences mentioned that took place. He noted it is grossly unfair to paint with a broad brush some of the best SBPS administrators because of what might have been a singular error in judgment. He noted the entire story was not presented here in this open meeting, which is additionally unfair. Board President Scott Reisig thanked the staff for all they do, and commented it has been a great year. He stated it is a pleasure to serve on the Board, a large part of which is due to the effort of the administrators, teachers, paras, and all the staff in the District, noting it takes a small village. Board Member Mark Lang also thanked the staff for another fantastic year. Board Member Rob Polk also thanked the entire SBPS staff. |
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12.b. Board Committee Reports
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12.b.1. Curriculum & Instruction/Americanism Committee - Next Meeting: May 17, 2024 @ 11:30 AM
Speaker(s):
Mike Mason
Discussion:
No report.
Attachments:
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12.b.2. Facility Committee - Next Meeting: June 5, 2024 @ 12:00 PM
Speaker(s):
Marianne Carlson
Discussion:
No report.
Attachments:
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12.b.3. Finance Committee - Next Meeting: June 5, 2024 @ 10:30 AM
Speaker(s):
Marianne Carlson
Discussion:
No report.
Attachments:
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12.b.4. Student Services Committee - Next Meeting: May 16, 2024 @ 11:30 AM
Speaker(s):
Dr. Wendy Kemling
Discussion:
No report.
Attachments:
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12.c. From the Administrative Staff:
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12.c.1. Executive Director of Finance
Speaker(s):
Marianne Carlson
Discussion:
No report.
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12.c.2. Executive Director of Student Services
Speaker(s):
Dr. Wendy Kemling
Discussion:
No report.
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12.c.3. Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Speaker(s):
Mike Mason
Discussion:
No report.
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12.c.4. Superintendent
Speaker(s):
Dr. Andrew Dick
Discussion:
Dr. Andrew Dick extended his condolences to the Portillo family who unexpectedly lost their sixth grade daughter in a tragic car accident recently. He noted this marks the third loss for Scottsbluff Public Schools in the second semester of this school year. Dr. Dick stated having three losses, two staff members and a student, in one semester is incredibly difficult for the District and extended his appreciation for the Crisis Team who were activated multiple times to provide support for students and staff.
Dr. Dick recognized Betsy Skelcher and Marianne Carlson who are the elected presidents of their respective organizations, NASES and NASBO, and with those positions comes a tremendous amount of extra effort and statewide leadership, which is deeply appreciated. Dr. Dick stated this culminated with the opportunity to lead the respective end-of year state conferences. The NABSO conference was held in Lincoln on April 11 and 12, and the NASES conference was held in Gering on April 18 and 19. Dr. Dick thanked both Betsy and Marianne for their statewide leadership and for representing Scottsbluff Public Schools so well. He noted the relationships that come with their involvement in these organizations, as well as the knowledge gained, is truly invaluable. Dr. Dick shared exciting news out of Lincoln, including the State Board of Education recently awarding Scottsbluff Public Schools $520,000 in grant funds. The District submitted a grant request to expand the preschool by two classrooms, which was awarded. The District is now advertising for a preschool teacher and is working to get the second classroom ready for students. The Early Childhood Expansion Grant provides one-time start-up costs, which provides an incentive for schools to expand their preschool classrooms. The District was also awarded $210,000 for a Safety and Security grant. The Nebraska Legislature appropriated funds to the Department of Education, which then awarded grant funds to school districts. The grant will help provide a secure vestibule at Westmoor Elementary, which will dovetail nicely into the proposed modernization project. Dr. Dick extended appreciation to Beth Rohrer and Reagan True for a highly successful Staff Appreciation Festival on May 11. There were 407 staff tickets redeemed, so it was a huge success. Dr. Dick noted fun was had by all who attended, and it was a great way to celebrate the end of a very special Teacher Appreciation Week. He also thanked the many other staff members who played a role behind the scenes. Lastly, Dr. Dick thanked Mr. Snyder for his comments this evening, noting that sometimes, in an administrative position, it is not always possible to share the District's side of the story on certain topics. |
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13. Future Meetings and Dates to Remember
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13.a. May 15, 2024 - ReConnect Graduation Ceremony @ 5:30 PM - BMS Cafetorium
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13.b. May 16, 2024 - Senior Academic Award Evening @ 5:30 PM - SHS Auditorium
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13.c. May 17, 2024 - CHOICES Senior Celebration @ 5:30 PM - SHS Cafeteria
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13.d. May 19, 2024 - Graduation Ceremony @ 1:00 PM - Bearcat Stadium
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13.e. May 21, 2024 - Early Release - Last Day of School
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13.f. May 22, 2024 - Teacher Work Day
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13.g. June 10, 2024 - Board of Education Meeting
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14. Move into Closed Session
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
The Board of Education moved into Closed Session at 7:11 PM.
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15. Exit Closed Session
Discussion:
The Board exited the first Closed Session at 7:38 PM.
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16. Move into Closed Session
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
The Board moved into the second Closed Session at 7:38 PM.
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17. Exit Closed Session
Discussion:
The Board exited the second Closed Session at 8:20 PM.
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18. Adjournment
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
The Board of Education meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.
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