September 16, 2013 at 5:00 PM - Work Session and Regular Meeting of the Board of Education

Discussion:  Begins at 4:30 p.m. and is intended for building staff and appointed board members.

Discussion:  Bob Hausmann, North Park Elementary School Principal reported that North Park has 361 students enrolled with 54 percent qualifying for free or reduced lunch. The parent climate survey had 100 percent of the people taking the survey and rated North Park with a Grade of an A or B. Presentations were given with various grade-level teachers and specialists describing some of the things they do with students in the classroom including using the Write Steps Program for grades K-5 to help with improving writing scores

Discussion:  Jessica Kuehler, CPS Foundation Executive Director gave a presentation on the Foundation. In three years, the Foundation's annual program distributions have increased by nearly 300 percent. The Foundation has contributed back $55,000 to the District last year. Classroom grants were awarded to teachers at West Park, North Park, and Lost Creek; and scholarships were awarded to 10 seniors and scholarship to current students earning dual credits through Central Community College. The Foundation is now the umbrella organization for the Alumni Association,Athletic Hall of Fame, five elementary PTO's and PAC's, CMS PAC and CHS Band and Sports Boosters. The Foundation plans to continue grants, staff awards, scholarships, sponsorships and many other programs.

Discussion:  No business was discussed.

Discussion:  Ken Curry read the Mission Statement.

Discussion:  No one spoke at the hearing.

Discussion:  Executive Director of Business Operations reported that the overall proposed budget is $56,113,530, which is about $32,824 less than last year. The District's valuation is $1,565,786,843 in total assessment. There was a slight increase in the general fund and a decrease in the bond levy, so the amount requested will be $1.211960 and no more than $1.05 can come from property taxes. Melick reported that the District has also increased by 100 additional students from last year. Comments were received from Ray Pilakowski Pat Sackkett, Cindy Sackkett, and Michael Jones.

Discussion:  Cindy Sackkett suggested that the District look at Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman to deal with increased violence.

Discussion:  There were no recognitions.

Discussion:  The members of the 2013-2014 CPS Safety and Security Committee are Leonard Kwapnioski, Michelle Cruise Donna Osantowski, Jenny Betz, John Petersen, Dennis Smith, Jenny Meyer, Jody Haack, Jordon Anderson, Karla Bartlett, Jean Kamrath, Cal Mustard, Jon Frey, Mike Grutsch, Ken Curry and Theresa Seipel.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz reported that the only change is that if an option is not received by March 15th, both the option and resident districts must approve the application

Discussion:  There was a total of $28,980.25 given back to the District.

Discussion:  Discussion on 2013-2014 GNS Membership.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz reported that Lakeview and Scotus Boards of Education have both approved the proclamation and so did the City Council.

Discussion:  Executive Director of Technology and Operations reported that this year two bids were received, and the second bid wanted $87.50 an hour.

Discussion:  Alan Dostal thanked Francis Kuehler for his service on the CPS Foundation Board

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz reported the STANCE Group is working with state senators on the state aid formula and also on other issues. The goal of the group is to write good policy and something that is fair and equitable for all districts. The NASB regional meeting is in Norfolk next week. All board members will attend except for Francis Kuehler and Theresa Seipel who will attend the one in Fremont. The State Education Conference is the week before Thanksgiving. He requested that those board members who will be attending the training to let him know. Dr. Loeffelholz has done staff presentations at North Park, Emerson, Centennial, Administration Building and classified high school staff. Other staff presentations are scheduled through the end of the month. The idea for these presentations are to get the staffs' opinion of building projects. These same presentations will be given to the public on October 8th and 15th at the American Legion. Next Monday,the Board will interview architects and pick one with a guaranteed price.

Discussion:  The Community Meetings will be on October 8 and 15that 7:00 p.m. Seipel said this weekend she had a great time supporting UNL. Her youngest started college this year,and feels it is important for students to go to a college or tech school. Becher said she spent a lot of time listening to the input from the public. She agrees with Seipel that children need to start to be educated at a young age. Curry said the presentation at North Park was excellent. He has been watching his daughter play softball and appreciates what the school system does. Goos said he is proud to be a part of this Board. Kuehler said he also enjoys being on the Board. Dostal commented on his parents' education in a one-room school house where the tax structure was small. His parents believed that their children needed to get an education. He said time changes.

Discussion:  The Board did not go into Executive Session.

Discussion:  The Board adjourned at 8:35 p.m.