February 13, 2017 at 5:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
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1. Call to Order
Rationale:
The Norfolk Public School District's board of education meeting is called to order.
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1.1. Roll Call
Rationale:
If any board member is absent, there will need to be a motion to excuse the absence.
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1.2. Declaration of a Legal Meeting
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2. Study Session
Rationale:
Technology Safety Protocols and Digital Citizenship
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3. Pledge of Allegiance
Rationale:
Please stand and join us in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
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4. Presentations, Special Recognition, Focus on Students
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4.1. Focus on the Students
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Kid Power for Kids (Kelly Konz and Becky Miller)
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5. Public Comments & Communication
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This is the time during the meeting when the public may request to address the Board. If you wish to comment, we ask that you identify yourself and the topic that you wish to address. Each individual's comments will be limited to five minutes. Please note that the Board cannot discuss or act upon matters that are not listed on the agenda. Therefore, Board members will not respond to your comments or questions. If you wish to request that an item be placed on a future Board agenda, you may contact the Superintendent or her assistant during normal business hours. Also note that concerns related to school personnel need to be addressed to the Superintendent using the approved district protocol. |
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6. Information and Discussion Items
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6.1. Finance & Facilities Report
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Total amount of claims to be approved in the consent agenda for the month of February, 2017 by specific fund are as follows: Nutrition Services Fund = $155,154.77 Cooperative Fund = $4,142.81 Depreciation Fund= $24,610.00 Special Building Fund = $279,402.34 QCPUF Fund= $1,400 Employee Benefit Fund= $1,233 Student Fee Fund= $740.60 The total amount of claims for the month of January, 2017 in the Activities fund are as follows: All of these claims were reviewed earlier today by the Finance and Facility Committee. The business office is in the process of finalizing all the 1095 C's and should have them out in the next several days. We are almost half way through our current fiscal year with everything staying on budget at this point.
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6.2. Teaching & Learning Report
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Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Title I
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6.3. Student Services Report
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6.4. Human Resources & Accreditation Report
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January 23rd Staff Development Day (ESU # 8 Winter Workshop):
Digital Citizenship Presentations:
Career Fairs
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6.5. Superintendent's Report
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Superintendent Goals January 2017-December 2017
Legislative Update: GNSA Testimony: LB 118: Education Savings Account Act (Tax Credits) -- opposed LB 144: Ag Land Valuation-- opposed LB 265: Foundation Aid-- opposed LB 295: Opportunity Scholarships Act (Tax Credits)-- opposed LB 571: Allocated Income Tax (similar effect as Foundation Aid)-- opposed LB 540 -- Temporary Aid Adjustment--monitor/support if needed * Co-written by GNSA * Most equitable way to reduce education funding if absolutely necessary * Will be introduced on the last day of bill introductions if needed. Written Testimony from Supt: LB 118: Education Savings Account Act (Tax Credits) LB 295: Opportunity Scholarships Act (Tax Credits) LB 608: Parental Choice Scholarship Program Act (Voucher Program) Letter to Appropriations, Revenue and Education Committees from Supt: * School Funding = High Priority Recommendation: Board Letter Appropriations, Revenue and Education Committees * School Funding = High Priority Coming Soon: * Letter to Education Committee re: LB 595 (Student Discipline Bill) NOTE: I "cc" all letters and testimony to Senator Scheer and Senator Albrecht. |
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7. Committee Reports
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7.1. Board Building Visit Reports
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7.2. Facilities & Finance Committee Report
Rationale:
The committee met today at 12:00 noon and reviewed all claims for February, activity claims for January and current fund balances. We also discussed the following items:
Our next meeting will be on March 13th at 12:00 noon. |
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7.3. Policy & Government Relations Report
Rationale:
The Policy and Government Relations Committee met at 1:00 on Thursday, January 26th. They conducted a thorough study and revision to the policies in section 8110-8232 related to internal board operations, in order to ensure that they match state statute and our current practices. In addition, the committee wrote several new policies related to standing committees that were not previously referenced in policy, including the Finance and Facilities Committee, Activities Committee, Policy and Government Relations Committee, and Superintendent Evaluation Committee. Once these policies are approved, the Superintendent Evaluation Committee will reconvene to revise our Superintendent Evaluation Policy in accordance with advice provided by our school attorneys related to the Open Meetings Act. We will need to hold a Public Hearing on Policy 8231 at our March Board meeting, as this is required by state statute in order to change the cost limit for service recognition gifts for Board members, employees and volunteers. The Committee also discussed Policy 6910 related to Dispensing Medications which is up for Second and Final Reading tonight. Our nurses suggested that we look at section 2b related to Medication Competent Staff and section 5 related to Refusal to Administer Medication. In the end section 2b was not changed, but section 5 was changed to reflect current and best practice. In short, if a nurse refuses to administer a medication (because she believes it exceeds the FDA's recommended dosage, it isn't approved by the FDA, or other reasons), she will notify the principal, the director of student programs and the student's parents, and she may contact the students' physician if warranted.
Sandy Wolfe and Tammy Day attended the GNSA meeting on January 18th, where they received an update on the current legislative session and critical issues that need to be monitored, such as the state's revenue shortfall, many senators' desire for tax reductions, and the possibility of changes to our state aid formula and retirement system. |
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7.4. Activities Committee Report
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The Activities Committee met at noon on February 3, 2017. David Nelson shared information about our Swimming program, and Peggy Belt shared information regarding our Speech and Debate program. Mr. Ries updated the committee regarding coaching positions that are available, conference affiliation, and possible changes that may be coming within the NSAA. In regards to our Conference Affiliation: NPS currently belongs to the GNAC. We applied to the HAC last year, but we were not accepted at that time. We have since received an invitation from the HAC, asking us to consider joining their conference for the 2018-2019 school year. On the surface, it appears that the HAC would be a good fit for Norfolk. However, Mr. Ries is being very thorough in making a recommendation regarding this important decision. He has reviewed the HAC By-Laws and visited with our coaches and administration. He and Mr. Luhr will meet with the HAC on February 15th to ask some clarifying questions. They will then update our Activities Committee on February 27, 2017. |
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7.5. Minutes of Committee Meetings
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Minutes from the Student Health Fund and the Nurses meetings.
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8. Approve Consent Agenda
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8.1. Minutes of Previous Meetings
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Meeting minutes from January 26th and February 1st.
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8.2. Personnel
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8.2.1. Contract Approval
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8.2.2. Resignations
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Sarah Wapelhorst-First Grade Teacher at Jefferson Elementary Kyle Fletcher- Junior High Math |
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8.3. Claims
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Attached are the claims for the month of February, 2017.
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9. Action Items
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9.1. Discuss, consider and take action to approve bus bid
Rationale:
The District received two qualifying bids for a replacement bus under the State Diesel Rebate Program. The bids were the following: 1. Cornhusker International $80,400 2. Truck Center of Nebraska $83,322 After receiving the rebate through the Diesel Rebate program the net price would be the bid price minus $20,000. Funds for this purchase would come from our general fund vehicle/bus replacement budget. |
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9.2. Discuss, consider and take action to write specs and let bids for roof replacements and/or restorations at Jefferson, Westside, Washington, Grant and the Junior High
Rationale:
We currently have roof replacement and restoration needs at Jefferson, Westside, Washington, Grant and Jr. High. Now is the time to start the specification writing process in order to have documents ready for potential bidders in a timely manner in order for the district to receive competitive pricing.
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9.3. Discuss, consider, and take action to approve option enrollment program resolution setting capacities for the 2017-2018 school year
Rationale:
Based on the enrollment projections that I shared with you during a previous Study Session, it is anticipated that all grade levels, programs, and buildings will be at capacity for the 2017-2018 school year -- except the 2nd grade. Second grade will be able to accept one option enrollment student for the 2017-2018 school year. I am recommending that all other grade levels, programs and buildings be closed to Option Enrollment students for the 2017-2018 school year. |
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9.4. Discuss, consider and take action to approve the first reading of Board Policies 8110: Purpose and Role of the Board, 8120: Duties and Functions of the Board of Education, 8130: Annual Organizational Meeting, 8150: Committee of the Whole, 8151: Standing Committees, 8152: Standing Committee on Negotiations, 8153: Standing Committee on Curriculum and Americanism, 8154: Standing Committee on Finance and Facilities, 8155: Standing Committee on Activities, 8156: Standing Committee on Policy and Government Relations, 8157: Standing Committee on Superintendent Evaluation, 8160: Temporary Committees, 8200: End of Service Recognition, 8201: Vacancies and Resignations, 8202: Removal From Office, 8210: Orientation for Newly-Elected Members of the Board of Education, 8230: Policy for Board Member Attendance at Educational Workshops, Conferences, Training Programs, Official Functions, Hearings, and Meetings, 8231: Coffee Act Policy (Reimbursable Expenses), 8232: Use of Public Resources by Board Mem
Rationale:
The Policy Committee did a thorough study and revision to the policies in this section to ensure that they match state statute and our current practices. In addition, the committee wrote several new policies related to standing committees that were not previously referenced in policy, including the Finance and Facilities Committee, Activities Committee, Policy and Government Relations Committee, and Superintendent Evaluation Committee. Once these policies are approved, the Superintendent Evaluation Committee will reconvene to revise our Superintendent Evaluation Policy in accordance with advice provided by our school attorneys related to the Open Meetings Act. We will need to hold a Public Hearing on Policy 8231 at our March Board meeting, as this is required by state statute in order to change the cost limit for service recognition gifts for Board members, employees and volunteers. |
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9.5. Discuss, consider and take action to approve the second and final reading of Board Policy 6910 related to Dispensing Medications
Rationale:
This policy has been reviewed by the Policy and Government Relations Committee, our school nurses, and the Director of Student Services, and we have consulted our school attorney regarding best, legal practices as well. After considerable discussion, Section 5 was changed to reflect current and best practice. In short, if a nurse refuses to administer a medication (because she believes it exceeds the FDA's recommended dosage, it isn't approved by the FDA, or for other reasons), she must notify the principal, the director of student programs and the student's parents, and she may contact the students' physician if warranted. No other changes were made to this policy, which closely follows State Statute and NDE Rule 59. |
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9.6. Discuss, consider and approve the second and final reading of Board Policies: 6500 (Free and Reduced Price Meals), 6600 (Special Education Policies), 6700 (Firearm Policy), 6800 (Internet Safety and Acceptable Use Policy), 6900 (Infectious Diseases), 6910 (Dispensing Medications), and 6920 (Student Self-Management of Asthma, Anaphylaxis, and/or Diabetes)
Rationale:
No changes have been made to these policies since their First Reading. Policy 6910 is being discussed and considered separately. |
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9.7. Discuss, consider and take action to approve the second and final reading of Board Policy 5413 related to Requests to Contact Students and Student Interviews by Non-School Personnel
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9.8. Discuss, consider and take action to approve Board letter to State Senators regarding School Funding
Rationale:
The NCSA is encouraging superintendents and school board members to contact the appropriations committee, asking them to make school funding a priority. I have already sent a letter from me to the appropriations, revenue and education committee regarding this topic. However, many state senators would rather hear from school board members and parents, so I am recommending that the Board approve the attached letter to be sent in addition to my own letter. I would send it via email to the appropriations, revenue and education committees, and to Senator Scheer and Senator Albrecht. |
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10. Future Meetings
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Our Second Meeting of the month is tentatively scheduled for noon on Thursday, February 23, 2017. However, this meeting may be cancelled if all action items can wait until our next regular Business Meeting, which is scheduled for Monday, March 13, 2017. This meeting will begin with a Study Session at 5:30 and will be followed by the Business portion of the meeting at 6:30. All components of the meeting will be held at NPS Central Administration Offices and will be open to the public unless an Executive Session is required to protect the interest of the district or the reputation of an individual.
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11. Adjournment
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