May 18, 2020 at 5:30 PM - Regular Meeting

Dave Hiebner, CHS Principal gave a brief summation on the benefits of the schedule change for CHS. They are looking at some options that include intervention time at least 3 times per week. The opportunity for students to build relationships with staff members who will be an advocate to that child is a priority. The current schedule does not offer staff planning time on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, time is needed for planning and meetings with staff.  A 7-period day offers more opportunities for alternative education for students with those needs. Students and staff have all requested some type of study hall opportunity, that will also be part of the planning in the new schedule.  The question for study halls are, how staffing will work and spaces that may work best. There may be a rotating type schedule for teachers monitoring or it may be specific staff members for specific subjects.  Mr. Hiebner said there will be many students who are enrolled in AP or upper level courses that will take advantage of a study hall.

Dr. Troy Loeffelholz, Superintendent is recommending this i2.46% total package ncrease for administrators. The increase will range from $1200.00-$3000.00 for individuals. Administration is not a recognized negotiating entity, in the past we have settled anywhere from a quarter to a percent below the teachers negotiated agreement. A comparison is more difficult with other districts because there are many mitigating factors, years of experience in those positions, benefits can be very different within districts. Board Member, Theresa Seipel mentioned because of COVID-19, some districts are handling salary increases differently. There are 13 districts in our array, Waverly is discussing a salary freeze, Gretna has not made a decision yet, Ralston Superintendent is taking the EHA health and dental premium increase as his salary increase, seven other districts have not settled. The CPS total increase for 21 administrators is $29,000.00 this year. 

Ken Curry, Board Member says leadership is critical, they need to know they are well valued. Local receipts are coming in low right now. Dave Melick, Director of Business Operations and Human Resources said when discussing increases, CPS stays midpoint with the array of other districts. Chris Nelson from Kearney and NDE, share a report each year, the report shows credentials, years experience, benefits and salary for administrators.  Mr. Melick said the salary piece is what the focus is in looking for balance. CPS administrators pay NPERS, CPS provides full family health and dental for all administrators. 

Mr. Melick shared a few payments that were made last month, Mid-American Research Chemical is for chemicals used for summer cleaning, Perry, Guthery, Haase & Gessford P.C. is for legal expenses, and Staples for office supplies. Typical expenses for this time of year. 

Mr. Melick explained each kitchen has a manager, their responsibilities include making sure menus meet all the criteria, that daily meal counts are correct, they also do some ordering to keep up the supply of fruit and vegetables. All kitchen managers are CPS staff. 

Jason Harris, Director of Student Services/SPED shared a brief overview of the Global Therapy Contract, CPS will be utilizing this company for the 2nd year. 

Dr. Loeffelholz said Chip Kay sat in on the Director's meeting and is in attendance at tonight's board meeting, he completed hiring documents today. Dr. Loeffelholz also spoke about information coming from the Commissioner of Education regarding food service and executive orders from the Governor.  Dr. Loeffelholz shared the recommendations for fall planning from Dr. Pour regarding masks for every student, sanitation stations, box lunches for eating in classrooms, etc.  Orders for masks and thermometers are being researched now. He also mentioned that the USDA waiver was extended until August 31. The Summer Lunch Program will begin on June 8th, sites are Lost Creek, CMS  and Centennial. The CARES Act, and NDE funding was mentioned.  Also discussion regarding the last meeting with the BCDM Architects, cost was decreased substantially. Dr. Loeffelholz believes the pre-school and the outer shell can be done for 5 million with the plan to phase in the other programs. Planning to get more detail to narrow cost. Next board meeting will be June 15.  The July calendar looks good for the meeting to take place on the 13th.

Mr. Hiebner gave some background on the new hire for the basketball coach position. Mr. Hitchcock was an assistant at Lincoln NE, massive positive turnaround, he played a major role in the positive change.  CHS was looking for someone who could build relationships with our kids.  Major in business administration and a minor in history, he will teach in a social science position, possibly sociology, economics. He came highly recommended from the basketball community. 

The Board shared thoughts about changes in life with the COVID-19 shut down, graduation events with social distancing, welcome to Chip Kay. Shout out to teachers and all the hard work with online learning. Shared appreciation for the leadership and all involved in making sure our students had a great 4th quarter.