April 6, 2020 at 5:00 PM - Special Meeting

Discussion: 

Dr. Troy Loeffelholz, Superintendent, explained the  information attached from the Governor's Executive Order. CPS must still comply with Open Meetings Act, while allowing meetings to be conducted via digital sources. Public and media must have access. If there is a problem with internet, we will need to make arrangements to set up in the conference room.  Normally, it is not permitted to vote online, the order makes this allowable. On ZOOM, there is a participant list so we are aware of anyone joining the meeting. 

Discussion: 

This resolution is all-encompassing, it gives the superintendent/designee authority to close buildings, implement staff payments, facilitate food program, implement work at home plans. CPS had already taken the step with payments in preparation of the pandemic.  All of these things have begun, but needs the boards authority and approval of this resolution.  Approving the resolution is providing a public record of authority.  Dr. Loeffelholz says he will stay in close contact with the board president and other board members.  Dr. Loeffelholz said these are things we are already doing, school attorneys feel it is best to have the approval in writing.  The board can cancel this resolution at any time. 

Dave Melick, Director of Business and Human Resources, commented on the work agreement, he said all but five employees have agreed. 

Dr. Loeffelholz also noted the Nebraska Emergency Order is attached for information. This will assist Platte County in receive funds which will include all school districts in the county. If received, some of the funds could be used for the wi-fi access points that are being placed on the outside of a number of our buildings for students and parents to utilize for student learning.  Also, we are serving many more meals that just CPS students, it may be possible to use some of that money if it isn’t already funded. 

Discussion: 

Dr. Loeffelholz shared information about FEMA becoming involved, and the approval to apply for disaster relief if needed, CPS will be prepared. Mr. Melick said that this was something the school attorneys suggested to be prepared. CPS could use these funds for the extra supplies for sanitizing buildings, it is not specified how the funds are required to be used. These funds also could be used for food, water, PPE, supplies that may not be covered by the Department of Education. Overtime costs may be covered, however, we really aren’t seeing much of that at this time.

An example of an added expense is, the administration building is an election site by statute that remains in place.  The Election Commissioner called and asked if CPS had another building they could use as one of the sites as one of the sites is a long term care facility that can not be used during this time. Mr. Melick said that there would possibly be less people coming out to vote and maybe we could just combine the two sites at the Administration Building.  

The purchase of food for our breakfast and lunch service is being handled day by day.  This may also be an expense above and beyond what we serve to qualify for funds.  Lunchtime Solutions has been able to supply sufficient amounts of food. The pick-up is changing from daily to weekly, Randi Macek and her staff are working on how that process is going to work. At this time, they are looking for foods that will hold up, not degrade over a week’s time. Randi is working with kitchen managers to make arrangements for the amount of staff needed to put meals together and disperse. Looking at what sites to use, as some sites do not have enough refrigeration for the amount of milk that will be needed, also thinking it may be time to open CHS back up as a pick up site. They will not assemble sandwiches, the ingredients will be sent to be assembled at home, more water as a substitute for some of the milk.

CPS has served 31,016 meals in the last two weeks. Some families are not affiliated with CPS, but this program is similar to the summer lunch program and includes all. CPS will be reimbursed for all meals.  LSI is charging only for food we are using in the program. LSI has furloughed some people from their administrative staff and asked people to work less hours.

Discussion: 

Dr. Loeffelholz spoke about some recent information from the Commission of Education regarding seniors credits as there have been some questions. Seniors will still be held accountable for credits to graduate. Typically policy says seniors must pass all classes to walk at graduation. We will look at the policy to see if any changes need to be made. Dr. Loeffelholz said there is a meeting scheduled with Mr. Hiebner, CHS Principal, regarding graduation. A plan will need to be made to include students that will leave earlier in the summer for the military, we could look at a virtual ceremony.

Today, Governor Ricketts discouraged scheduling any graduation plans before August 1, 2020. 

There needs to be conversations regarding how we will close the school year down.  Teachers ability to spend time in their rooms to organize and clean. How will devices and books be collected? 

East Central is suggesting letting mail sit for 24 hours after delivery.  Tech is sanitizing devices immediately when dropped off for repair.  

Jason Harris, Executive Director of Student Services and SPED, says it is going well, his staff has made contact with all families.  The families were given the choice of opting out of the plan during this time. This was all guided by Perry Law Firm. SPED staff is doing great, they have only had a couple of calls, parents with some anxiety about their part in the process. 

There has not been a lot of feedback from regular education teachers.  Dr. Loeffelholz has meetings this week with principals and feels he will hear more information on how things are progressing.  CMS is checking on families. Elementary's are eaching out to students that have not been in contact. CHS social workers and counselors are checking in with students that they normally have contact with each week.  Jessy Hill was contacted about a student that was struggling, with the help of Jill Spale, they contacted the student and developed a safety plan. At a recent press conference, DHHS spoke specifically regarding mental health, many people are struggling, they spoke about how to combat this issue. 

There are a lot of differences in how each district is handling the situation regarding grading and what is being offered to students as far as coursework. Dr. Loeffelholz said he believes we are in the middle of the pack, depending on the grade level. CORE classes at the high school level can teach new lessons with videos, etc. other classes may be more maintenance type work that is offered. The information put out to our families is that grades can only go up, if a student had a 90% at the end of third quarter, they can not get a lower grade, however, they could raise their grade. If work is not being done, teachers are reaching out to those students. Candy Becher, Board President, commented that college credit classes will have to be completed as originally planned.  Elementary staff are offering enrichment, they are reviewing on lessons already taught and building on those lessons. There is inequity with parent help or not. 

Leonard Kwapnioski, Executive Director of Buildings and Sites/Technology, said that we have one internet access point up and working, the others should be functioning early next week. He also discussed Verizon and possibly a couple of other companies have offered hot spots for families to use on their phones.  There is one internet company that services some rural areas of Columbus that are blocking access to some of the sites being used.

Concerns regarding losing 8 weeks just doing maintenance.  Can we plan for summer school to make up some of what is lost, Mr. Melick says for a price as the master plan would have to be re-negotiated. Could high school students that need credit do on-line courses over the summer months? 

Mr. Melick told the board to let him know if any of them would like to help or observe food distribution. 

Dr. Loeffelholz will set up a ZOOM meeting for the Centennial Listening Session on April 20th.  Theresa and Mike are the visiting board members for this session.