October 10, 2011 at 5:00 PM - Work Session and Regular Meeting of the Board of Education

Discussion:  Centennial Principal Jackie Herink said that K-5 enrollment has grown by 70 students in the last five years. Herink said it is nice to see in reading, that the district and Centennial are moving upward each year. She said Centennial is like the district where math is a little more solid than reading. The preschool teachers spend a lot of time on math and reading. They chart the students’ progress using L to J. Teachers work with students on recognizing numbers and doing the calendar every day.

Discussion:  Jim Dennell with BCDM said a construction manager for the CMS project needs to be selected after the bond issue passes. There are three different options for the district to consider. Dennell said he has used all three and all three can be successful. The first is design/bid/build, the second is Construction Manager at-risk, and the third is Construction Manager as Agent. With CM at risk the district would know the cost upfront and with architect led CM there is more risk but more potential for reward. The district used CM at risk management for the high school project.

Discussion:  This is the first time in the 12 years of the contest that a student from Nebraska has won. The topic was if you were an ambassador to a foreign country what would you do to improve relationships. Jirka’s essay was the United States and China a Powerful Combination. Jirka received $2,500 for the winning essay and an all expense paid trip for his family and him to Washington DC. CHS also received 10 copies of AFSA’s Inside a U.S. Embassy: Diplomacy at Work.

Discussion:  Alysa Schuettler is a new higher that was not listed on the classified hires. Dennis McMeekin was the first licensed electrician to be hired by the district. The high school is currently looking for a bookkeeper.

Discussion:  The board was given the opportunity to ask Bob Mabrey, Jim Dennell and Larry Mares questions regarding the different options the district had in hiring a Construction Manager. The three types are design/bid/build, Construction Manager At-Risk, and Construction Manager as Agent.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz said Rathbone has lived in the Columbus area for 18 years and is moving to Lincoln for a job opportunity. He said a replacement for Rathbone must be found in 45 days. The process will start with a request for applications. The person chosen will serve one year and then must be elected in 2012 to finish Rathbone’s two-year term. He said it is up to the board as to how many people to interview. Once applications are in, interview can be set. The applications will be available at the Administration Building and the applicants must answer eight questions, which will determine who gets interviewed. Rathbone will be recognized at the November board meeting.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz said the biggest change is vacation leave can only carry over five days and must be used in a certain amount of time. The district doesn’t want to pay for unused vacation. He said the administration wants employees to take time off and re-energize.

Discussion:  The Educators Health Alliance has given employers and employees a premium Holiday for the month of December. Employee's will pay the greater share of the FICA tax out of the benefit.

Discussion:  The subdivision agreement is part of the final plat for the Discoverers Addition. By approving this agreement the district agrees to pay its share of the cost for road construction, water, sewer, utilities, and lift station.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz thanked the committee for their countless time and energy in promoting the bond issue for the District. Dostal was also impressed with bond committee and said they had extraordinary passion for this cause. He also complimented Dr. Loeffelholz on his leadership. Ken Curry echoed what Alan Dostal said. He said he also appreciated the positive support from the newspaper. Curry said the volunteers are A plus. Francis Kuehler commended Dr. Loeffelholz for his handling of the issues on the blog.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz reminded those in attendance to vote on October 11th. The district is holding a special election to determine whether or not the voters approve the construction of a new middle school. Dr. Loeffelholz said CPS has the smallest levy of schools the size of Columbus. He said even after the bond passes, the levy will still be smaller most of the schools the size of Columbus.

Discussion:  The board went back in to executive session at 8:20 p.m.