February 12, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
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1. Pledge of Allegiance & Call to Order
Speaker(s):
President Devine
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Rationale:
The formation of public policy is public business and may not be conducted in secret. Every meeting of the Norris Board shall be open to the public and abide by the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, a copy of which is available for inspection at our meeting site. Does anyone in the audience require audio or visual assistance?
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
President Devine called the meeting to order at 6:06 PM
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2. District Mission Statement
Speaker(s):
President Devine
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
The Norris School District, in collaboration with our communities and families, provides a safe, positive environment that empowers students to grow, explore, and engage into lifelong learners and responsible, productive citizens. |
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3. Nebraska Open Meetings Law (Posted in the Room)
Speaker(s):
President Devine
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
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4. Student Representative Report - Nicholas Boon
Speaker(s):
Student Council Representative
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Updates to the Board from Norris student council representative.
Discussion:
No student representative report due to the weather.
Attachments:
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5. Administrators' Reports
Speaker(s):
Building Administrators
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Reports from administrators on items of interest to the Board.
Discussion:
No administrative reports due to the weather. Written reports were submitted in advance.
Attachments:
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Comments:
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6. Public Comment
Speaker(s):
Members of the Public
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
The regular board meeting agenda provides for citizens to present information or to express opinions to the board through public comment.
Discussion:
No public comment.
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7. Curriculum Report/ Program Review:
Speaker(s):
Mrs. Morrison and Dr. Bollinger
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Discussion:
Mrs. Kris Morrison (Director of Curriculum) and Dr. Alisha Bollinger (Director of Student Services) submitted written reports in advance.
Attachments:
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Comments:
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7.1. Instructional Specialist Report
Speaker(s):
Heather Terry & Darian Carney
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Discussion:
Heather Terry and Darian Carney did not present to the board of education due to the weather. They will present at a later board meeting.
Attachments:
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Comments:
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8. Superintendent's Report
Speaker(s):
Dr. Joel and Mr. Molloy
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
The Superintendent reports on matters of interest to the Board.
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8.1. Upcoming Dates and Events of Interest to the Board
Speaker(s):
Dr. Joel
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Discussion:
Dr. Joel shared upcoming dates and events of interest to the board of education.
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8.2. Celebration of Excellence
Speaker(s):
President Devine
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Katy Dornbos, HS Science Teacher Norris High School Advanced Chemistry Teacher and Science Department Head, Katy Dornbos, was selected by the National Science Foundation as a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This award is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade science, technology, engineering, or mathematics teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Up to 110 teachers are recognized each year.Presidential Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. Awardees also join an active network of outstanding educators from throughout the nation. Since 1983, more than 5,500 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. Awardees reflect the expertise and dedication of the Nation’s teaching corps, and they demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement. Ms. Dornbos has been a teacher at Norris since 2012 and, in this time, has received numerous commendations and has become recognized both locally and nationally on social media as an outstanding innovator in science education. We are very proud to have her as part of the Norris High School faculty.
Discussion:
Comments:
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8.3. Personnel Updates
Speaker(s):
Mr. Molloy
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Rationale:
Certified
Hire
Hire Resignation
Support Staff Hire Resignation Retirement
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve all personnel matters Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Per Policy 8251, Mr. Molloy addressed the following recommendations: 1) Change of teaching assignment for Elena Kernes (daughter of Jamie Kernes); and 2) Hiring of Jill Rice (spouse of Matt Rice).
Attachments:
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Comments:
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8.4. Superintendent Goals
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Discussion:
Dr. Joel provided an update on his goals in relation to his first semester evaluation.
Attachments:
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9. Consent Agenda
Speaker(s):
President Devine
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Rationale:
Consent items are considered routine and will be passed without vote by unanimous consent; however, any Board member can ask to remove an item from the consent list for separate action. Normally included in the consent items are the agenda, minutes, approval of the claims, financial reports, and any personnel matters or other reports identified in the Superintendent's Report. The order of the agenda items may be rearranged according to the Board's preference.
Discussion:
President Devine read aloud the following, "Consent items are considered routine and will be passed without vote by unanimous consent; however, any Board member can ask to remove an item from the consent list for separate action. Normally included in the consent items are the agenda, minutes, approval of the claims, financial reports, and any personnel matters or other reports identified in the Superintendent's Report. The order of the agenda items may be rearranged according to the Board's preference."
Attachments:
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10. Titan Fundraising Committee Update
Speaker(s):
Cory Wahlstrom and Jennifer Schall
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Provide the Board of Education and public with an update on the Titan Fundraising Committee's efforts.
Discussion:
Board Member Kubicek provided a brief update to the board of education on behalf of the Titan Fundraising Committee.
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11. Policies
Speaker(s):
Mr. Molloy
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Rationale:
7000 (formerly 8000) - General Policy Statement
7001 (formerly 8131) - Annual Organizational Meeting 7002 (formerly 9110) - Number of Members, Terms of Office 7003 (formerly 9111) - Board Vacancies (Title Change) 7004 (formerly 9120) - Officers 7005 (formerly 9300) - Methods of Operation 7006 (formerly 9370) - Parliamentary Procedure 7007 (formerly 8140) - Temporary Committees 7008 (formerly 8153) - Standing Committee on American Civics 7009 (formerly 8210) - Orientation of New Board Members 7010 (formerly 8230) - Travel Compensation (Reg Included) 7012 (formerly 8231) - Reimbursable Expenses (New Title) 7013 (formerly 8232) - Use of Public Resources 7014 (formerly 8240) - Member in School Board Associations 7015 (formerly 8250) - Conflict of Interest (Reg Included) 7017 (formerly 8251) - Nepotism 7018 (formerly 9310) - Adoption and Amendment of Policies 7019 (formerly 8330) - Formulation of Administrative Regulations 7020 (formerly 8341) - Meetings 7021 (formerly 8342) - Designated Method of Giving Notice Mtg 7022 (formerly 8343) - Location of School Board Meetings 7023 (formerly 8344) - Procedures During Meetings 7024 (formerly 9362) - Time and Place of Meetings 7025 (formerly 9363) - Notification of Members 7026 (formerly 9364) - Public and Executive Sessions 7027 (formerly 9369) - Public Participation at Board Meetings 7028 (formerly 9341) - Voting 7029 (formerly 9342) - Minutes 7030 (formerly 9250) - Attorney 7031 (formerly 9260) - Auditor 7032 (formerly 8360) - Board Records
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to combine 8000/9000 series into the newly created 7000 series Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Recommended Motion(s) #2:
Motion to approve the rescinding of policies 8100, 8350, 9000, 9100 Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Attachments:
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Comments:
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12. Presentation of the 2023-2024 Annual Report
Speaker(s):
Dr. Joel and Mr. Molloy
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Discussion:
Mr. Molloy shared the 2023-24 Annual Report.
Attachments:
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Comments:
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13. Dana F. Cole & Company Auditor Presentation - Ryan Bruns
Speaker(s):
Ryan Bruns
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Northland will present their contract for municipal advisory services to the Board of Education to consider.
Discussion:
Ryan Bruns, Dana F. Cole & Company, shared information regarding the auditing process.
Attachments:
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14. Discuss, consider and take all necessary action with regard to approving the architect agreement with JEO Consulting Group, Inc., for a site and facilities evaluation project.
Speaker(s):
Dr. Joel and Mr. Molloy
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Recommended Motion(s):
Approve the architect agreement between Norris and JEO Consulting Group as architect for a site and facilities evaluation project. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
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15. Consider Approving Northland Securities as the District's Municipal Advisor
Speaker(s):
Dr. Joel and Mr. Molloy
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Recommended Motion(s):
Approve Northland Securities as the district's municipal advisor. Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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16. Ratification of the Certified Staff Negotiated Agreement for the 2025-2026 School Year
Speaker(s):
Dr. Joel and Mr. Molloy
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Rationale:
Approval of negotiated agreement from Board Negotiations Committee recommendation as approved by membership of NAE (Norris Association of Educators, exclusive collective bargaining agent).
Recommended Motion(s):
Approval of negotiated agreement and the salary schedule for the 2025-26 school year from Board Negotiations Committee recommendation as approved by membership of NAE (Norris Association of Educators, exclusive collective bargaining agent). Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
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17. Consider Approving the Contract with Red Rover
Speaker(s):
Mr. Molloy
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Rationale:
Upon review earlier this year, it was determined that Frontline and TMS are not adequately meeting the needs of our district. Both systems have proven to be cumbersome and outdated. Moreover, the diverse needs of a district our size are not sufficiently supported by these platforms, resulting in the use of multiple systems and extensive paper trails that complicate management. The Red Rover tools stand out for their user-friendliness, efficiency, and potential to significantly reduce paper usage. In December, a broad representation of staff, including administrators and various personnel, participated in a Red Rover demonstration. The post-demo survey revealed unanimous support, with participants expressing relief and excitement about the prospect of adopting Red Rover. The following individuals were part of the demonstration: Lori Johnson, Kelli Cherep, Nicole Martin, Jaymi Bock, Ruby Deunk, Jason Gault, Bryan Williams, Noel Erskine, Jesse Wenger, Kim Brodersen, Linda Lindersmith, Jan VanderPutten, and Jennifer Jenkins. Financially, the transition to Red Rover is a sound decision. Currently, we spend $17,121.41 annually on Frontline and TMS combined. Negotiations with Red Rover have been successful, resulting in an annual cost of $18,100.00 for their three superior tools, which is only a $978.59 increase. This slight cost increase is justified by the substantial improvements in system efficiency, reduction in paper use, and decreased time spent on administrative tasks. The financial breakdown is as follows:
To ease the financial transition, Red Rover has agreed to split the initial costs between budget years. The annual cost will stabilize at $18,100.00 starting 9/1/2026.
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion to approve the contract with Red Rover Passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Attachments:
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Comments:
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18. Legislative Updates
Speaker(s):
Gary Kubicek, Mr. Molloy & Dr. Joel
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Updates on the 2025 Legislative Session.
Discussion:
Dr. Joel provided a legislative update to the board of education.
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19. NASB Updates
Speaker(s):
Board Members
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Discussion:
No NASB updates were shared.
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20. Lancaster Co. / District Development Updates
Speaker(s):
Dr. Joel and Mr. Molloy
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Updates on commercial and residential development within the Norris District including annexations.
Discussion:
Dr. Joel shared that there is a public hearing on February 10th to rezone property from ag to residential.
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21. Buildings, Grounds and Transportation Updates
Speaker(s):
Mr. Molloy
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Discussion:
Mr. Molloy shared updates regarding the hail storm from September 2024 and the activity buses.
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21.1. Titan Activities Complex Update
Speaker(s):
Dr. Joel and Mr. Molloy
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Discussion:
Dr. Joel provided an update on the TItan Activities Complex.
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22. Board Strategic Plan Goals & Board Areas of Focus
Speaker(s):
Dr. Joel, Mr. Molloy, Mrs. Morrison and Dr. Bollinger
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Review Strategic Plan Goals and Readopt as Board:
Discussion:
Mrs. Morrison and Dr. Bollinger shared an update on the strategic plan areas of focus.
Attachments:
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23. Board Reports
Speaker(s):
Board Members
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Board member updates on matters of interest to the Board.
Discussion:
Board Member Kubicek provided several board updates.
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24. Correspondence Items
Speaker(s):
President Devine
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
Monthly correspondence of interest to the Board.
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25. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
President Devine
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Rationale:
The next regular scheduled Board Meeting is March 12th, 2025 at 6:00 PM.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
The next regularly scheduled school board meeting is Wednesday, March 12th, at 6:00 PM.
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