November 11, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Scottsbluff Board of Education Regular Meeting
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1. Opening Procedures
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1.a. Call to Order
Discussion:
The Scottsbluff Public Schools Regular Board of Education meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Board President Scott Reisig.
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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 Retirement
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4.b.1. Ronda Roth, Teacher, Longfellow/Roosevelt
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4.c. Approve Minutes as Follows:
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4.c.1. October 14, 2024
Attachments:
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5. Expenditures
Attachments:
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5.a. Expenditures, without Douglas, Kelly, Ostdiek, Snyder, Ossian and Vogl, P.C. and Tory Schwartz: $1,238,355.18
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.: $741.75
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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5.c. Tory Schwartz: $240.00
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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6. Awards and Recognition
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6.a. Softball
Speaker(s):
Dan Fox
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School Softball Coach Dan Fox spoke.
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6.b. Girls Golf
Speaker(s):
Jane Kelley
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School Girls Golf Assistant Coach Jane Kelley spoke.
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6.c. Boys Tennis
Speaker(s):
Darren Emerick
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School Boys Tennis Coach Darren Emerick spoke.
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6.d. BMS Cross Country
Speaker(s):
Mike Burda
Discussion:
Bluffs Middle School Cross County Coach Mike Burda spoke.
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7. Student Report
Speaker(s):
Ava Reed
Discussion:
Scottsbluff High School student Ava Reed gave an update to the Board of Education. Ava stated Scottsbluff High School had a really great month in October, especially with all the activities taking place. Ava stated the Football team completed a successful season and competed in the quarterfinals. The SHS Volleyball team lost in the District Final to eventual State Champion Norris. The Old West Choir Fest was a big success, with numerous schools from around the region coming to SHS to compete. CHOICES hosted another very successful "Trunk or Treat" event and Play Production recently kicked off their season. Last Saturday, eSports hosted a well-attended and exciting home tournament. Ava noted that as SHS heads into the home stretch for the fall semester, students are also busy preparing for the beginning of winter sports. In addition, career student organizations will soon compete in their respective competitions, while the SHS Mock Trial teams are currently in the middle of their season. Ava stated that SHS students appreciate the hard work and support of the Board members. Ava also thanked all current and former service men and women for their sacrifice, and wished them all a happy Veterans Day.
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8. Update
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8.a. Lake Minatare Elementary
Speaker(s):
Marianne Carlson
Discussion:
Executive Director of Finance Marianne Carlson gave an update on Lake Minatare Elementary School.
Attachments:
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9. Public Comment - a total of 120 minutes will be allotted (no more than 5 minutes per speaker).
Discussion:
The following members of the public were present to address the Board of Education:
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10. New Business
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10.a. Board Policy Adoptions - Policy 5009 - “Preschool Enrollment” and Policy 5015 - “Attendance Areas and Student Transfers” - First Reading
Discussion:
This is a first reading only; no action was taken.
Attachments:
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10.b. Board Policy Revisions - Policy 5430 - “Student Memorials,” Policy 6290 - Commencement,” and Policy 9370 - “Open Sessions” - First Reading
Discussion:
This is a first reading only; no action was taken.
Attachments:
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10.c. Scottsbluff Public Schools Education Center Security Cameras
Speaker(s):
Marianne Carlson
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
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10.d. Additional Student Teacher Stipends for 2024-2025
Speaker(s):
Marianne Carlson
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
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10.e. Discuss, consider, and take possible action on Motion to Approve Sale of Lots One (1) and Two (2), Block Two (2), Original Town Addition to the City of Scottsbluff, Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska, and authorize the Board President to execute all necessary documents to complete the sale.
Speaker(s):
Marianne Carlson
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
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10.f. Proposed 2025 Board Meeting Dates
Speaker(s):
Marianne Carlson
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
All meetings will be held at 6:00 PM unless otherwise specified.
January 13, 2025 February 10, 2025 March 10, 2025 April 14, 2025 May 12, 2025 June 9, 2025 July 14, 2025 August 11, 2025 August 28, 2025 @ 5:00 PM September 8, 2025 October 13, 2025 November 10, 2025 December 8, 2025
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11. Reports and Proposals
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11.a. Board Members
Discussion:
Board Vice President Beth Merrigan stated she is looking forward to attending the State Education Conference and the opportunity to continue to learn.
Board Member Mark Lang congratulated Scott Reisig, Beth Merrigan, and Paul Snyder on their recent election to the School Board. He also thanked veterans and active duty military members, including Beth Merrigan. |
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11.b. Board Committee Reports
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11.b.1. Curriculum & Instruction/Americanism Committee - Next Meeting: November 26, 2024 @ 11:30 AM
Speaker(s):
Mike Mason
Discussion:
No report.
Attachments:
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11.b.2. Facility Committee - Next Meeting: December 3, 2024 @ 12:00 PM
Speaker(s):
Marianne Carlson
Discussion:
No report.
Attachments:
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11.b.3. Finance Committee - Next Meeting: December 2, 2024 @ 11:30 AM
Speaker(s):
Marianne Carlson
Discussion:
No report.
Attachments:
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11.b.4. Student Services Committee - Next Meeting: November 14, 2024 @ 11:30 AM
Speaker(s):
Dr. Wendy Kemling
Discussion:
No report.
Attachments:
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11.c. From the Administrative Staff:
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11.c.1. Executive Director of Finance
Speaker(s):
Marianne Carlson
Discussion:
No report.
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11.c.2. Executive Director of Student Services
Speaker(s):
Dr. Wendy Kemling
Discussion:
No report.
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11.c.3. Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Speaker(s):
Mike Mason
Discussion:
No report.
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11.c.4. Superintendent
Speaker(s):
Dr. Andrew Dick
Discussion:
Superintendent Dr. Andrew Dick congratulated Scott Reisig, Beth Merrigan, and Paul Snyder on the recent election. Dr. Dick also thanked Reginald Preston for running for the Board of Education this year and his willingness to dedicate time to public service in our community.
Dr. Dick noted that over the course of the last five weeks, he had the privilege of engaging with parents at the Elementary Parent Engagement Meetings. He stated those meetings have concluded, and it was a great opportunity to have a dialogue with elementary families throughout the District. He stated he would have preferred a larger turnout at these meetings, but that it was a good opportunity to collect feedback and engage with families. Dr. Dick recognized the retirement of Ronda Roth, noting she was one of two educators who were instrumental in starting the Really Great Reading program in the District. He stated the District has seen tremendous success with this program. Dr. Dick noted that prior to his tenure as superintendent, he was asked to meet with Dr. Wendy Kemling and Mike Mason in order to discuss changes in how the District could allocate flex funding, and it was recommended to use the money as a way to increase early intervention support in reading. Ronda was one of two teachers who helped to initiate this program, combined with Jadie Beam's support, and the District has seen outstanding growth and achievement among our youngest readers. He thanked Ronda for her second stint of teaching and congratulated her on her retirement. Dr. Dick thanked the many patrons who made public comment earlier in the evening, commenting that the discussion of Lake Minatare's future is not an easy decision for any Board member. Dr. Dick shared that multiple teachers at Lake Minatare are close family friends or related to his family, and this is not a decision that is being taken lightly. He stated that despite being asked on multiple occasions how the Board will vote, he emphasized that this decision has not been made by the Board of Education. Dr. Dick did state that both he and Executive Director of Finance Marianne Carlson has an obligation to provide accurate information to the Board of Education. He noted the District is not attempting to hide any information and, as an example, the Lake Minatare presentation was made public prior to the Board meeting in an effort to maintain transparency. Dr. Dick again thanked those who made public comment for sharing their perspectives, noting the District administration and the Board of Education take all comments and feedback very seriously. Lastly, Dr. Dick thanked all the veterans for their service, noting there are many throughout the District who have served, including Board Member Beth Merrigan. |
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12. Future Meetings and Dates to Remember
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12.a. November 15, 2024 - No School for K-5 Students
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12.b. November 27-29, 2024 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
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12.c. December 2, 2024 - ½ PD Day & ½ Workday - No School for Students
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12.d. December 9, 2024 - Board of Education Meeting
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13. Adjournment
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
The Board of Education Regular Meeting adjourned at 8:58 PM.
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