October 5, 2015 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Meeting Agenda

Rationale: 

New Board member Phil Davidson will be administered the Oath of Office and welcomed to the Board of Education.  

The Oath of Office is attached.

Rationale:  The Bellevue Board of Education abides by the Nebraska Open Meetings Law.  A copy of the law is posted on the wall of our Board room.

Rationale:  Administrative Recommendation: Approve by consent items in section B of the Agenda identified with an asterisk.

Rationale:  The attached Minutes of the September 14, 2015 Board of Education meeting and the September 23, 2015 Board of Education Special Meeting were sent to all members of the Board of Education for review.

Administrative Recommendation:  Approve the Minutes of the September 14, 2015 Board of Education meeting and the September 23, 2015 Board of Education Special Meeting.

Rationale:  Administrative Recommendation:  Acknowledge receipt of the Treasurer's Report for September, 2015.

Rationale:  Administrative Recommendation:  Approve the payment of claims totaling $1,048,086.41.

Rationale: 

Each year Bellevue Public Schools develops a Poverty Plan which outlines what the District does to provide for students from poverty and/or diverse backgrounds.  The District has implemented many measures to meet the needs of students in poverty and from diverse backgrounds.  With the Board's approval, the proposed attached 2016-2017 Poverty Plan will be submitted to the Learning Community for approval.

Administrative Recommendation: The administration recommends the approval of the Poverty Plan as presented.

Rationale: 

The 2016 -2017 Limited English Proficiency Plan describes the provision of specialized instruction to develop an ELL student's ability to read, write, speak and understand English.  The purpose of the program is to prepare students to participate fully in the curriculum of the school, while supporting the cultural heritage of each student. The District develops a Limited English Proficiency Plan to include an explanation of how the school district is addressing the needs of the ELL students.  With the Board’s approval, the plan is submitted to the Learning Community for approval.  

Administrative Recommendation: The administration recommends the approval of the Limited English Proficiency Plan as presented.

Rationale: 

Following community input during the budget reduction meetings last spring, an Early Childhood Center Parent/Community Advisory Committee was formed to explore a possible attendance fee structure and other fundraising options. The committee surveyed parents and caregivers about components of a possible fee structure.  Results of the survey and other fundraising plans will be reported.  

Administrative Recommendation: The administration recommends a fee of $60 per year per family (membership year: July 1 through June 30). The fee would be waived for families who qualify based on self-reported status on free/reduced lunch guidelines.  Waivers would be offset by scholarships offered through donations.

Rationale: 

For the last four years Bellevue Public Schools has developed and adopted District Goals.  Last year, three goal areas: Achievement, Buildings and Budgets and Community Engagement were adopted.  This process is similar to the AdvancEd school improvement process used for district accreditation.  The District Goals are also used to write building and department goals throughout the district.  Tonight the administration will present for approval the 2015-16 District Goals.

Administrative Recommendation:  The administration recommends the approval of the 2015-16 Bellevue Board of Education District Goals as presented.

Rationale: 

The administration annually updates the Board about student performance as measured by various indicators.   Tonight's update will include information about the results from ACT and AP testing.

Rationale: 

In 2014, the Nebraska legislature enacted legislation requiring a new accountability system for public schools and districts. The new system is AQuESTT – Accountability for a Quality Education System Today and Tomorrow.  An overview of this new accountability system will be presented.  

The presentation can be viewed via the following link:  

http://aquestt.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/2015-NASB-Region-Meetings.pdf

 

 

Rationale: 

In August, the Board approved a contract with Jacobs to develop a Facilities Master Plan.  This process involves a Steering Committee made up of Parents, Community Members, Board Members and Staff.  Each month, the Board will be given an update of the Steering Committee’s work.  At the end of the process, the Board will be presented a proposed Facilities Master Plan that will include recommendations from the committee for future steps.

Rationale: 

Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of students who identify as transgender.  In order to treat all students fairly and respectfully, the administration and the district's attorney developed the attached Administrative Regulation to be used as a guide for the district.

Rationale: 

Kollin Crompton wishes to address the Board regarding concern for Bellevue East school spirit and pride. 

Rusty Hike wishes to address the Board regarding division of the public school system.

Sarah Lively wishes to address the Board regarding ethnic/racial discrimination in BPS. 

Rationale:  Learning Community - Nina Wolford
BPS Foundation - Doug Cook, Frank Kumor
MABE - Mike Kinney
GNSA - 
Board Policy Review Work Group - Doug Cook, Mike Kinney
District Safety Committee - Doug Cook

Rationale: 

October 8, Community Meeting, Bellevue West High School, 6:00 p.m.

October 14, Board of Education Work Session, Bellevue University, Educational Services Building – Room 4103, 5:30 p.m.

October 19, Board of Education Work Session, Welcome Center, 6:00 p.m.

November 7, Veterans Day Parade

November 8-14, Bellevue Education Week

November 9, Board of Education Meeting, Welcome Center, 6:30 p.m.

Rationale:  Administrative Recommendation: Adjourn to Executive Session to consider matters relating to strategy sessions with respect to collective bargaining and negotiations with outside agencies which are necessary to be considered in closed session for the protection of the public interest.