April 13, 2015 at 5:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale:  The Norfolk Public School District's board of education meeting is called to order.  

Rationale:  If any board member is absent, there will need to be a  motion to excuse the absence.

Rationale:  Representatives from the Language Arts team will share the results of their curriculum review process.

Rationale:  Please stand and join us in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Rationale:  This is the time during the board meeting when the public may request to address the board regarding an agenda item. If you wish to comment, we ask that you identify yourself and indicate the agenda item to which you will be speaking.

Rationale: 

Rationale: 

CURRICULUM & ASSESSMENT:

During the study session you heard a portion of the work we have accomplished this year. This is our first year, so by no means are we perfect, but we are moving forward and have definitely come a long way. I’m very pleased with the professionalism of our teachers and principals. There’s a lot of information in the files shared with you. Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions as you review them, before next month for approval. There will be additional files added in the shared folder with Foreign Language next month.

Summer curriculum work is scheduled for the week of June 15-19. This will start the next phase which includes Math, Industrial Technology, Family and Consumer Science and Art, as they took initiative to begin their process early.

TECHNOLOGY:

The replacement desktops are being delivered to the maintenance building and the technology department will be working on the inventory and installation soon. Because the server is being moved to another building, the tech department is also trying to coordinate all the small pieces that affect that move. We would be surprised at the number of collaborated efforts it takes to make this happen in an organized fashion, while also trying not to be invasive to the work place with no internet. This is a huge project that they are managing on top of the regular summer technology maintenance.

TITLE I:

Yearly reports are being completed by Title funded buildings. Some are already complete. I am confident that we will meet the May 1^st deadline. Next year will be a big year for Title I as we have a state review of our work.  We are already making plans for completing the reporting tasks for this review. 

Rationale: 

1. District Music Contest is scheduled for Friday, April 24th.  Hopefully you can schedule some time to come and sit in on some of the performances.  If you can‘t attend on the 24th, they are having a Pre-contest concert on Tuesday, April 21st at 7:00 pm.

2. Saturday, April 25th is Prom, which will be held at Divots. Coronation will begin at 7:30. The dance will be held from 8:00 to 11:30 pm.

3. The Spring Play Performance of the The Crucible, will be May 7th, 8th and 9th at the Carson Theater.  

4. Spring sports are also in full swing, please reference the NPS activities calendar for dates and times of each sport.

5. Preparations are being made for our district’s Kindergarten Round-up for the 2015-2016 school year. Activities for students and information for parents/guardians will be scheduled in all of our elementary buildings on Wednesday, April 22nd.

Rationale: 

School Improvement/Professional Development
During our K-4 and 5-12 administrative PLC meetings, building administrators are presenting their school data (MAP, NeSA, DIBELS, ACT, Common Assessments, etc). This process has fostered a rich collaborative conversation about data-driven ways to improve student outcomes. In the end, we will be able to identify effective practices across our programs and systems.

Safety
On May 27-28, I, along with other community emergency response members, will be attending a school crisis training in Omaha. The training will provide insight to appropriate practices/procedures NPS and the community should employ in the case of a school crisis. The training will focus on school intruders.

Human Resources
Library/Media
Instrumental Music
Alternative for Success
Speech Language Pathologists (2)
Coaching/Sponsorship
Elementary Title
Elementary Classroom 

Public Relations
Teammates of Norfolk – 95 Mentors and Mentees attended the Nebraska spring FB game and state Teammates activities organized on April 11. Currently Teammates has 118 matches which is an all time high. Susie Buss, Teammates Coordinator continues to do a great job.

Tonya Nava – State Informative Speech Champion
Tyler Hagedorn – 2014-2015 Nebraska’s Gatorade Basketball Player of The Year
Jaycee Bradley – All-Nebraska Basketball Team
Drew Steinhauser - 2nd Team Omaha World Herald All Academic Team
Chace Hutchison – Selected to the Nebraska FB Shrine Bowl

 

Rationale:  School Improvement:
Tim Kwapnioski and I are beginning to work on a comprehensive school improvement process that will integrate our current Data Books and Building Goals into NDE and AdvancED's school improvement and accreditation process.  We will train building administrators on this process once the school year is complete.

We would also like to have an Admin and Board Combo Retreat on July 27th where the principals go through their information with you and give you an opportunity to ask questions prior to the start of the new school year.  This would allow their Building Reports throughout the school year to focus on other items, such as innovative programs.  Would you be available on July 27th for a full or half-day retreat? We could hold this in lieu of our 2nd meeting of the month, which is scheduled for noon on July 24th.

According to recent training provided by the NASB, the retreat/workshop does NOT need to be open to the public or press.

Strategic Planning Update:
Dr. Larry Dlugosh facilitated our first Strategic Planning Update Monday, March 30th.  Strategic Action Planning Chairs presented information regarding what has been accomplished in each goal area and what our next steps are.  Dr. Dlugosh was very complimentary of the work that has been completed.  This information will be shared with you during Study Sessions in April, May, and June. Both the April and May Study Sessions will focus on our first goal, which is related to curriculum.  The June Study Session will focus on Goal 2 (Career Ed) and Goal 3 (Technology).

Rationale: 

Rationale:  GNSA Report:
Sandy Wolfe, Bill Robinson, and I attended both the GNSA meeting and Madison County Government Day on March 18th. We heard presentations from Governor Ricketts, Senator Scheer, Senator Sullivan (Chair of the Education Committee), and Senator Hadley (Speaker). Property taxes continue to be a topic of concern and have led to increased discussion regarding the use of Foundation Aide to fund K-12 education. Foundation Aide provides a set per pupil allocation to districts, regardless of their needs or resources (local property tax revenue).  Small schools in rural areas are especially supportive of this concept, as are farmers, as it could decrease their property taxes. However, this would decrease the amount of funding that equalized schools, such as Norfolk, receive. Therefore, it is important for us to continue to advocate for a needs-based equalization formula.

Other Legislative News:
I visited with Senator Scheer last week regarding LB 519, which is the bill that allocates Lottery Funds to education.  I was concerned that the proposed bill allocated 90% of these funds to post-secondary education.  Senator Scheer agreed with my concern and advocated for additional dollars to be put towards K-12 education. Senator Scheer was successful in negotiating an increase from 10% to 20%. Although we would have liked to see a larger increase, I still see this increase as a success, and am very appreciative of Senator Scheer's assistance in this area.

Policy:
We have received our master-copy of our revised policy book from Perry Law Firm.  These policies are all available on our website. However, I know that some Board members prefer a hard copy. Please let Mary Hoien know if you want a copy, but keep in mind that you will need to update it every time a policy revision is made.

The Policy Committee reviewed the attached Policy Revision Schedule via email and recommend that it be used to ensure that we review policies at least every four years, on a continual rotation basis.

Rationale:  The Activities Committee met at noon on Monday, March 23rd. We reviewed winter activities.  The highlight of our meeting was discussing how well our students did in all areas.  For example:

• 8 wrestlers qualified for state--Licking was champ.
• Swim teams were GNAC champs-6 new school records were set at state.
• Girls’ basketball team were state runner-ups.
• Boys’ basketball team were conference and district champs.
• Speech team was district champs—sent 12 members to state.
• Debate team qualified for nationals—one student attended.
• Tyler Hagedorn was chosen as the Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year for Nebraska.
• Jaycee Bradley was nominated for McDonald's All-American Team.
• 1^st team All-State members were Tyler Hagedorn and Jaycee Bradley.
• Pink Panthers qualified and participated in a National Competition in Florida.

Other items discussed included: the Activities Budgeting process, summer construction projects, and NSAA events that will be hosted by Norfolk Public Schools (Girls' and Boys' State Golf and One Act Play).

Rationale: 

Tracie Chochon

 2015-2016 – School Psychologist

 Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Kearney State College in Kearney, Nebraska

 Master’s Degree in Guidance at University of Nebraska at Kearney, Nebraska

 Education Specialist Degree from University of Nebraska at Kearney, Nebraska

 Master’s Degree in School Administration from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska

 Currently a School Psychologist with Rice County Special Services Cooperative in Lyons, Kansas

 Sarah Klinetobe

2015-2016 – Guidance Counselor at Norfolk Middle School

Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska

Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane College in Crete, Nebraska

Expect Master of Education in School Counseling (K-12) in August, 2015 from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska

Currently a guidance counselor for Stanton Community Schools in Stanton, Nebraska

 Tyson Koehn

2015-2016 – Art at Norfolk Senior High

Bachelor of Science, Art/K-12 Art Education from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska

Currently a long-term substitute at Norfolk Senior High

Kelsey Korth

2015-2016 – Resource Teacher at Norfolk Middle School

Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education from University of Nebraska at Kearney, Nebraska

Student taught at Bel Air Elementary and is a substitute teacher for the district

Megan Mueller 

2015-2016 – LIFE Teacher at Westside Elementary (program moving from Bel Air)

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Learning and Behavioral Problems from Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota

Master of Arts in Mild/Moderate Disability with a specialization in autism and severe disabilities from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Nebraska

Previously taught in O’Neill, Nebraska and is currently teaching in Brandon, South Dakota 

Deana Schreck

 2015-2016 – Family/Consumer Science at Senior High

 Bachelor of Science Degree in Family/Consumer Science from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska

 Currently student teaching at West Point Senior High School in West Point, Nebraska

 

 

 

Rationale:  Jody McQuillian: HS Media
John Furrow: HS Band
Linda Bender: Alternatives for Success
Kristin Johnston: Third Grade at Jefferson
Michelle Furrow: Part-time Music Teacher at the Junior High

Rationale:  State law requires districts to set option enrollment capacities each year, based upon spring enrollment projections.  Based upon these numbers, I am recommending that we accept three option enrollment students at the sixth grade level and two option enrollment students at the ninth grade level next year.  I am recommending that all other grade levels and programs be closed to option enrollment students, because these grade levels and programs are projected to exceed the set capacity. 

Please see the attached resolution for additional information.

Rationale:  The following bids for Sanitation Services were submitted.  All of these bids met specifications required by the school district and are annual prices.

H-D Haulaway LLC                                
$40,200.00                                                                             

Waste Connections
$41,184.00 

Prime Sanitation
$43,380.00 

Rationale:  We received one qualified Milk bid for the 2015-2016 school year, below is the breakdown on pricing:

Product                                                        Roberts Dairy        Last Year’s Cost

½ Pint Paper White Skim Milk                         $0.2904                   $0.2904

½ Pint Paper White 1% Milk                           $0.2990                   $0.2990

½ Pint Paper Chocolate Skim Milk                   $0.3012                   $0.3012

½ Pint Paper Strawberry Skim Milk                 $0.3012                   $0.3012

4 oz. Apple Juice                                            $0.1700                   $0.1700

4 oz. Orange Juice                                          $0.1710                  $0.1710

1 oz. 100 Ct. Sour Cream                               $17.550                  $17.550

5 lb. Cottage Cheese                                      $8.8000                  $8.8000

4 oz. Cottage Cheese                                     $0.5100                  $0.5100

5 lb. Yogurt                                                    $5.5500                  $5.5500

Rationale:  We received one qualified Bread bid for 2015-2016 from Bimbo Bakeries USA, below is the pricing breakdown:

                                                                                       2015-2016 Pricing                2014-2015 Pricing

53% Whole Grain White 3 ¾” Hamburger Bun               $2.05 per 16 count                $2.08 per 16 count

53% Whole Grain White 6” Coney Bun                           $2.05 per 16 count                $2.09 per 16 count

53% Whole Grain White Steak Bun                                $4.84 per 2 dozen                  $4.97 per 2 dozen

Rationale:  We received three qualified bids for pest management services for 2015-2016, the monthly pricing on these bids is listed below.

Pest Tec, Inc.                                       $433.50          

                        Kustom Pest Control                            $406.00

  Presto-X                                               $354.06 

Rationale: 

The following vendors submitted proposals and also gave presentations to a district committee made up of administrators, staff members and parents from all grade levels in the district.

- Michael's Photography
- Portrait efx
- HR Imaging
- Lifetouch photography

All of these vendors met the required specifications for a 5-year contract which is attached in e-meetings.  This is a no-cost contract with our district. The district does receive some benefits and in return the vendor has access to photograph students with the possibility of making picture sales to families.  The following criteria was used in making this decision:

• Ability to meet required specifications at the highest level.
• Ability to deliver a quality product and service to our district, families and students.
• What are the financial advantages to the district and families with each proposal?
• Did the vendor have a local presence in Norfolk and if there is not a local presence how would the vendor participate in the Norfolk business community?

Rationale:  I would like permission to sell the lockers which are currently being used in the Girls P.E. locker room at the high school.  Over the summer we will be upgrading that area with new lockers and fixtures for the 2015-2016 school year.  Old gym lockers are popular items to sell so I am sure there will be interest in them.  Proceeds from these lockers would go back against the cost of the new lockers.

Rationale:  The rationale for expanding the Little Panthers Preschool was discussed at great length at our March 9, 2015 Study Session, including research that indicated:

* Early Childhood Services are critical to addressing the achievement gap for at-risk students. Children's brains develop very rapidly at this stage in their lives, making it the best time to intervene and lay a solid foundation for learning. Intervention becomes increasingly more difficult once children reach kindergarten.

* Children who participate in quality early childhood programs realize significant benefits in:
  * Improved literacy and numeracy skills
* Improved behavior/social skills (such as the ability to follow complex directions, focus on tasks, work
           cooperatively, control emotions and function in a structured environment)
* Stronger performance on academic assessments
* Higher graduation rates
* Higher levels of post-secondary education

* Investing in Early Childhood programs results in later savings on special education and intervention programs, as well as other public services such as criminal justice and health care. The earlier we intervene, the stronger the return on our investment.

* Investing in Early Childhood programs is an investment in our local economy. It helps infuse the local labor market with skilled workers and helps children earn more as an adult.

EXPANSION PLAN:
Phase One:
* Increase our student capacity  from 70 to 95 by adding para-educators to our 4 year old classrooms and increasing our collaboration with Headstart
* Add three para-educators
* Add one half-time Head Start teacher on a contract basis
* Provide  0.5 FTE Early Childhood Coordinator (Melissa Jantz) to help implement the expansion
           plan and write grants for further expansion
* Cost: approximately $50,000 - $17,000 (reimbursement through TEEOSA) = $33,000

Phase Two:
Write grants to expand preschool program to additional sites.

Rationale:  The second meeting of the month will be held at noon on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at the Central Office Administration Building.

Our next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2015 at the City Administration Offices.  The Study Session will begin at 5:30 and the Business Meeting will begin at 6:30. All components of the meeting are open to the public.