May 20, 2019 at 5:30 PM - Regular Meeting
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I. Board Meeting
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I.A. Call to Order
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I.B. Roll Call of Board
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I.C. Pledge of Allegiance
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I.D. Notice of Open Meeting Posted
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I.D.1. President insures all can hear proceedings
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I.E. Mission Statement
Discussion:
Mike Jeffryes read the mission statement.
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I.F. Opportunity for Public to be Heard
Discussion:
No one sppoke to the board.
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I.G. Recognitions
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I.G.1. Columbus Middle School Recognitions
Discussion:
Rebecca Anderson, Leslie Calderon-Medina, Anna Massman, Liam Blaser, Gregory Davidchik, Shae Drymon, Cooper Duranski, Liz Hoskovec, Jessica Larson, Eric Martinez, Jacqueline Martinez, Allen Sindelar, Tyson Weber and Brooke Wickens were invited to a health careers camp this summer at UNMC where they will stay in the dorms and work in some of the labs on campus.
The CMS MathCounts Team earned first place honors at the regional meet. Team members included: Cooper Duranski, Elijah Moser, Braylon VanCura, Kaden Brownlow and sub Carter Goc. Tanner Esch was the individual making it to state, and Moser won first in the CountDown round at regionals. Gabriel Ruiz received Honorable Mention for his Stickman Comic series in the Scholastic Art Awards competition. Alyvia Williams received Best Overall Soloist in high school class A and B at the Nebraska A capella Championships. She also earned best junior high soloist at the contest. Vocal Tech earned the first-place junior high trophy in the Nebraska A Capella Championships. Members include: Bryan Alvarado, Erid Cabrera, Riley Gausman, Avrianna Gronenthal, Elizabeth Hoskovec, Eric Martinez, Macyn Norris, Jimmy Orozco-Hernandez, Zoe Perkins, Anna Perterson, Jonathan Reiff, Harrison Robbins, Logan Schwebach, Jenna Taylor, Hector Velasquez Jr., Tyson Weber, Brooke Wickens, Alyvia Williams, Abby Wurdeman and Isabelle Zimmerman. The following Vocal Tech members earned the Clinician’s Choice Award at the NCDA Jazz Festival. Bryan Alvarado, Erid Cabrera, Riley Gausman, Avrianna Gronenthal, Elizabeth Hoskovec, Eric Martinez, Macyn Norris, Jimmy Orozco-Hernandez, Zoe Perkins, Kayln Guiterrez-Armenta, Anna Perterson, Jonathan Reiff, Harrison Robbins, Logan Schwebach, Jenna Taylor, Hector Velasquez Jr., Tyson Weber, Brooke Wickens, Alyvia Williams, Abby Wurdeman and Isabelle Zimmerman. Bryan Alvardo, Juan Beltran, Uziel Cabanas, Riley Gausman, Avri Gronenthal, Liz Hoskovec, Eric Martinez, Kaylen Nuno, Jenna Taylor, Tyson Weber, Alyvia Williams and Abby Wurdeman were selected for Singing Youth of Nebraska, which students must audition and are selected to perform in a state-wide honor choir. Bryan Alvardo, Uziel Cabanas, Riley Gausman, Avri Gronenthal, Liz Hoskovec, Mayicn Norris, Owne Papstein, Jonathan Reiff, Harrison Robbins, Jenna Taylor, Tyson Weber, Brooke Wickesn, Alyvia Williams, Abby Wudeman and Isabelle Zimmerman auditioned to perform at the Nebraska Music Educators Association Convention as members of the middle level barbershop all state choir. They prepared the music for over a month and spent a day at UNL for clinic and performing with the honor choir.
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I.G.2. Centennial Awards
Discussion:
Ethan Salak earned the most AR points for reading in the entire school.
Landon Heule, Devam Patel, Ethan Salak, Cale Schmit, Elijah Anderson were the first-place team for Battle of the Books. |
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I.G.3. SkilllsUSA
Discussion:
Shaun Clemens and Aiden Cromwell won the 2019 State Mechatronics in Grand Island at the Nebraska State Leadership and Skills Contest. They will represent Columbus High School June 24th - 28th at the National Leadership Contest in Louisville, Kentucky. In Automated Manufacturing, the team of Logan Garbers, Kaden Hughes, and Pedro Zayas Vargas placed third.
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I.G.4. Skilled and Technical Sciences Program Excellence Award
Discussion:
The CHS Skilled and Technical Sciences Department was the recipient of the 2019 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association Program Excellence Award. The CHS Skilled and Technical Sciences Department members include: Tracy Dodson, Marcus Gillespie, Ron Haefner, Joseph Krysl and Adam Whitmore.
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I.G.5. Destination Imagination
Discussion:
The following DI Teams and Students qualified for DI Globals:
4th Grade Engineering - The Fairly Fun Foodies
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I.G.6. Quiz Bowl
Discussion:
The CHS Quiz Bowl team of Joe Campbell, Erick Eickhoff, Lucas Miller, Gabe Moseman, Douglas Davidchik, and Sterling Kopp placed second at the district meet qualifying them for state. At the state meet, the team performed at a high level placing in the top 8.
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I.G.7. World Language
Discussion:
CHS hosted the first annual Spanish competition, which was the first of its kind to be hosted by a high school in the state. Students from Syracuse High School, Cornerstone Christian, David City High School, York High School, Springfield Platteview High School, Plainview High School, Norris High School, Wilber Clatonia and CHS competed in five events: music, folk dance, art, poetry and dramas. The following are the results for CHS; Art Level 2: Lillie Hizer - Casa Batillo, second place; Kaitlynn Meyer - Mount Fitz Roby, third place: Art High School: Maria Espino - Medellín Colombia, first place; Wendy Castillo - Pueblito Paisa, second place; Jaylen Bender and Stefani Padilla Excebio - El museo de Antropologia, third place; Poetry Level 2: Neleigh Slusarski - Romance Sonambulo, second place; Lexi Jeffryes - Caperucita Roja, third place; Poetry High School: Samantha Martinez - A Margarita Debayle, first place; Yasmin Basulto - Mi Tenamaxtlan, second place; Alexis Martinez - La Gente que me Gusta; Dance Level 2: Merengue Oye abre tus ojos, first place; Flamenco Fire Rumba Flamenca, second place; Dance High School: mambo, First place; La Pollera Colorá Cumbia, second place; Drama Level 2: El Pavo, first place; and La Banca, third place; Drama High School: LaBoda, first place; La Que No Canta, second place; and La Traición; Music Level 2: Meghan Wolfe - Como Mirarte, first place; Lauren Benck, Brooke Benck and Caitlin Hottovy - El Vito, second place; Drama High School: Sofia Gomez - Por que te marchaste, first place; Yasmin Basulto - Cielito Lindo, third place.
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I.G.8. Girls Track
Discussion:
CHS Junior Jaidyn Garrett won the Class A gold metal at state in pole vaulting.
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I.G.9. Vocal Music Recognitions
Discussion:
The CHS Concert Choir paired up with Pius X High School in Lincoln to create a 100-member chorus called the Harmony Explosion Chorus. This choir was selected to sing for the Nebraska Music Educators Association Annual Conference in Lincoln and also competed in the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Youth Chorus Festival this past January. The contest takes place as a part of their national mid-winter convention each year and is the premiere youth chorus event hosted by the BHS. The Harmony Explosion Chorus prepared three difficult songs in the barbershop style and competed alongside 17 other groups from across the nation on the Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville, TN. CHS students were one of only 4 participating groups to receive a superior rating at the event.
CHS sponsors an extra-curricular men’s and women’s a cappella ensemble, called The Baker’s Dozen and Neptune’s Angels. Along with the New World Singers, these three groups have been making waves across the growing a cappella community in Nebraska, including Superior performances at the Midland A Cappella Festival, the Northeast Jazz Festival, the NCDA Vocal Jazz Festival, and the newly created Nebraska A Cappella Championships, which was hosted at CHS this past April. Neptune’s Angles had a particularly strong year, including a Clinician’s Choice Award at the NCDA Vocal Jazz Festival, a Superior with Distinction at District Music Contest, and receiving first place overall out of 12 groups at the Nebraska A Cappella Championships. Brooke Benck, Lauren Benck, Fernando Ortiz, Coden Prokopec, and Karissa Gleeson were selected to sing the National Anthem for NSAA State Sports Championships this year. |
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I.G.10. Instrumental Music Recognitions
Discussion:
DISTRICT MUSIC CONTEST CHS WINTER ENSEMBLES CHS DISCOVERER MARCHING BAND |
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I.H. Presentations
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I.H.1. Maintenance Presentation
Discussion:
Executive Director of Building Operations and Technology Leonard Kwapnioski said Lost Creek has been having issues with carpeting especially on the south side. He said carpet will be changed out in six classrooms, and the accordion walls will be replaced with a solid wall with a door between them. The ceiling is also being replaced and there will be added electrical work done. The second phase of the project will be replacing the rest of the carpeting and ceilings in the building.
West Park will have the mechanical equipment replaced because it has aged and the boilers are leaking. These will be replaced with an on demand system. The old area will be turned into a food service storage area for the veggie and fruit bars. Kwapnioski said the district is always looking for what can be done to maximize efficiency. The high school islands in the parking lots will be paved. Kwapnioski said the rocky area around the plants has caused problems, and kids are throwing the rocks. The trees will be replanted elsewhere on the property with some going by the retention/detention pond and others going by the new STEM slab. He said maintenance will be working on improving the site this summer. This summer there is no building scheduled to be painted. The paint crew will be working on the exterior door frames and doors throughout the district. They will also be helping to stripe all the parking lots and paint some bathrooms across the district. The maintenance and grounds crew has been working on cleaning the sites up. The majority of the grounds at West Park and North Park have been addressed. Kwapnioski said the hope this summer to get the concrete mow strip around the middle school like at the high school. He said there is also a lot of miscellaneous items maintenance will be working on this summer. |
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I.H.2. Close Up Presentation
Discussion:
The favorite part of the trip for many of the students was the walking tour. CHS was the only high school to be honored at the breakfast for attending Close-Up.
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I.I. Board Special Functions
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I.I.1. Overall Administrative Package Increase of 3.1%
Discussion:
The 3.1 percent overall package increase includes insurance, dues and fees, Superintendent Dr. Troy Loeffelholz said. Teachers received a 3.31 percent increase and classified a 3.5 percent increase. He said there is a set dollar amount divided between all administrators, and this does not include the superintendent.
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I.I.2. Second Reading of Policy 507.02 Student Directory Information
Discussion:
Major field of study was removed from the routine directory information.
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I.J. Items to be removed from the Consent Agenda
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I.K. Consent Agenda
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I.K.1. Approval of Minutes
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I.K.2. Financial Reports M2, M3, M4a
Discussion:
B-D Construction was paid $198,800 and Alfred Benesch & Company $137.25 for demolition and asbestos abatement to the Kramer Education Center. The district received $586,976.57 in personal and real property taxes. Executive Director of Business Operation and Human Relations Dave Melick said the amount will be higher next month. The district paid $6,000 towards the Destination Imagination competition and this is only for one team and a portion of another, and there is still more to pay.
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I.K.3. Financial Report M4b
Discussion:
Seipel’s Repair Inc. was paid $1,285.88.
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I.K.4. Financial Report M5
Discussion:
The amount of $21,656.93 was paid to the Columbus After School Program to help support the program. Paper 101 was paid $11,665.80 for the district paper. The board asked how much paper does the district use. Kwapnioski said five years ago it was 15 pallets, and now it has dropped to 11 pallets. He said it is his goal to drop one pallet a year. Truck Center Companies was paid $10, 088.93 for repairs to a bus.
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I.K.5. Certified Personnel
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I.K.6. Classified Personnel
Discussion:
John Heule resigned to focus more on his sprinkler business because he is so busy.
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I.K.7. Professional Travel
Discussion:
Travel should begin to slow down soon.
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I.L. Acceptance of Gifts/Donations
Discussion:
The Foundation and umbrella organizations had total contributions of $21,555.25 for the month of April. West Park PTO donated $2,000 to the percussion playground, which has now been installed. The Lost Creek Cookie Fundraiser cost $5,238. Centennial PAC donated $1,200 for the One Book Activity. The Foundation awarded $1,500 to the Educator of the Year and $500 to Operations Employee of the year. The Foundation also gave $950 to CMS Big Give Water Bottle Station.
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I.M. Business Operations and Human Relations
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I.M.1. Administrative Functions
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I.M.1.1. Non-Profit Corporation
Discussion:
Dr. Loeffelholz, Mr. Melick, and Mr. Kwapnioski met with the Building and Sites Committee. The money for any expenses comes out of the maximum amount that can be assessed in the building and sites fund. Dr. Loeffelholz said there will be money left over for other things. Some board members expressed concern that by approving the nonprofit corporation, it would appear the district already made up its mind about the project, yet there are no details. He said the board did not need to approve this tonight, but this must be done first to allow for planning. Dr. Loeffelholz said a public hearing can be done when and if the board decides to access the money. He said the community is aware of what the district is looking at for the Kramer Education Center. Dr. Loeffelholz said right now the district is not spending anything. Dr. Loeffelholz told the board the only thing they were being asked to do tonight is create the corporation to borrow the money in the future. He said the board is not agreeing to spend a certain dollar amount, but it is just saying the amount will not exceed $5 million. There will be no payments until the district decides to borrow the money. In order to get some grant funding, the district must show that it is making a commitment and creating the nonprofit. Dr. Loeffelholz said just because the district creates the nonprofit doesn't mean it will ever be used. There will not be any additional tax dollars collected because this is already money being collected in the building and sites fund. Dr. Loeffelholz said once the plans become more concrete, a board will be created to oversee the nonprofit corporation. Board member Theresa Seipel said this will show other entities that CPS is moving forward. Dr. Loeffelholz said this is a step by step process, but if the board does not want to do this now then it pushes everything back. Board member Doug Willoughby said the board has not made a final decision to create the early childhood center, and this seems like it is already a done deal. Seipel said the board has made early childhood a priority, and it should be done now, and this is the first step in getting it accomplished. Seipel said if the community questions the decision, this will provide an opportunity for the board to explain. She said this way the district can get this accomplished without raising taxes and be done with it in seven years. This isn't locking the district into building anything right now. Dr. Loeffelholz said this must be done first before the district can enter into any other agreements. He said no money will be spent without the board approval. CPS turned in a grant two weeks ago, and this will open the door to apply for other grants to show the district is committed and can be counted as part of in-kind matching funds. Dr. Loeffelholz said the district’s goal is to get some of the $5 million in grant funds.
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I.M.1.2. Surplus Property
Discussion:
There were several old and outdated books removed from CHS,CMS and Lost Creek media centers.
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I.M.1.3. Field Trip or Excursion Approval
Discussion:
The CHS Winter Percussion requested permission to go to the WGI World Percussion Championships in Dayton, OH. The group plans on leaving on Tuesday morning, April 14 and returning Saturday morning. Close-Up also requested funds to go to Washington DC next year. The cost per student will be $2,109 per student. Dr. Loeffelholz said in the past, the Board has given $4,000 for scholarships, and the CPS Foundation has given money as well. He said the students will do fundraising to help reduce the cost. The CHS JAG students went to a Career Development Conference in Ankeny, IA on May 2. The students competed against others high schools in categories such as math, problem solving, interviewing and resume writing, and graphic design and art. They also attended workshops on leadership and employment skills.
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I.M.2. Updates
Discussion:
Melick said there are four teaching positions left to fill: speech and language pathologist, high school English, high school science and early childhood. He said there have been 32 new staff hired and 17 in-district transfers. Principals have been busy hiring. Melick said it has been challenging trying to recode all the budget items. Next year there will be all new codes. Melick said this is being required because it will make it easier to follow the money and show more transparency. He said this will also allow people to compare districts to see how the money is being spent.
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I.N. Buildings & Sites/Technology
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I.N.1. Administrative Functions
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I.N.2. Updates
Discussion:
Executive Director of Business Operations and Technology Leonard Kwapnioski said the panels and insulation are up at the Kramer Education Center. He said the portable has also been removed. Kwapnioski said over the next couple of months, he will be spending some money to update all the networks in the district. He said the cost will be around $63,000, and he plans to buy everything upfront. Kwapnioski said most of the project will be reimbursed, and he will file for this in July. Kwapnioski said this is a great opportunity for the district, and the money will be coming out of the depreciation fund and will be put back once the reimbursement is received. Kwapnioski said the portable at West Park will be moved shortly. He said Dr. Loeffelholz has received his new computer and 100 of the staff have new machines already with 80 more being distributed tomorrow at CMS. Lost Creek, West Park and North Park will receive machines on Friday and Centennial on Thursday. Kwapnioski said the building secretaries will be the first classified staff to receive machines since they will be leaving.
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I.O. Curriculum and Instruction
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I.O.1. Administrative Functions
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I.O.2. Updates
Discussion:
Tracking growth and improvement - The goal is to have 100 percent of teachers show evidence of tech integration at all levels of the SAMR mode. Tech Integration Specialist Brandi Fleming said this is the first year for K-12 to be one to one with devices. Last spring, the media specials and Fleming worked to provide a model to provide common language, initial training of the model and coaching and support. Fleming said the SAMR model is a tech framework that categorizes four levels of classroom tech integration, provides a common language for tech integration across all grade levels and a content shift from teacher center to student centered technology. Fleming said the areas are: Redefinition Technology allows for the creation of new task previous inconceivable; Modification Technology allows for significant task redesign; Augmentation is a little more advanced but still teacher centered with functional improvement; and Substitution Technology is more teacher centered with no functional change. Fleming said the first-year teachers had to learn how to apply technology in all areas and not reteach a tool. A survey was sent to teachers at the end of quarter one asking if they integrated technology at any levels. Fleming said the point of the survey was to get data. Another survey was sent at quarter three to see if there was any growth. She said there was not a huge change from quarter one to quarter three. Fleming said the teachers are learning where technology fits appropriately. She said teachers will continue to be given surveys and to see how the curriculum department can support them. The media specialists are the front line in all buildings. Fleming said the media specialist and she try to meet with every teacher quarters 1, 2 and 3 during the school day. Fleming said they are not looking for everyone to be at level three and four all the time. She said they would like to see more people take a risk and get to those levels.
Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Amy Romshek said there has been some changes in the Global Destination Imagination. Last year there were 26 students plus four managers who attended, and the cost was $23,250 plus $2,000 for gas and hotel for total of $25,250. This year $22,000 for the team, and parents will pay $1,800 for hotel and food and $800 for gas and parking. This brings the total cost to $24,600. Romshek said there is probably around the same amount of students going this year. Board member Mike Jeffryes said they are now staying in downtown Kansas City and all the kids are at different hotels. In the past, all participants stayed in dorms. EdReports.org helps the district to find quality materials. Romshek said it is an independent nonprofit designed to improve K-12 education. The report provides independent analyses of instructional materials. Romshek said several foundations provide support for this group. She said this is not the entire selection progress it is part of it. She said the report is about 20 pages long. The report shows indicates for all the categories. Romshek said the company is using national standards for alignment. EdReports.org takes about four to six months to review the materials. |
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I.O.2.1. Social Media
Discussion:
Fleming said the district is looking at modifying the staff social media guidelines. She said there needs to be a strict division between personal and professional. She said most of the guidelines are to help staff get through this process. Classroom teachers should not post kids to their personal page. It can be posted on their professional page first and then shared to the personal page. She said there is still a lot of opportunities to teach kids about safely using social media. Fleming said the staff is being told now with the hopes that personal and professional will be separated by August. Fleming said the document is still a work in progress. She told the board to let her know if they have any questions or concerns. Fleming said one of the biggest changes is teachers will be expected to know who is on the do not photo list in their classes. Dr. Loeffelholz said it is tricky for staff who work in the district and are also parents. He said if attending an event as a district employee, people can't take pictures of their child and other kids. If it is on their own time, they can take what they want for photos, but they must be posted to the classroom page first and then shared. Once people sign a contract with CPS, no matter what they do they are still associated with the school. Fleming said the policy is just asking staff to be aware of their surroundings. She said one easy fix is to take off the employment on the personal page. The professional approved social media avenues are Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. If staff members want another social media account, they must request one in writing from the Superintendent. Fleming said the policy is designed to protect everyone.
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I.P. Student Services
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I.P.1. Administrative Functions
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I.P.2. Updates
Discussion:
Executive Director of Student Services & Special Education Jason Harris said the Community for Kids grant has been submitted. He said the group will next meet on June 3 and hopefully CPS will find out if it is approved. This grant will allow focus groups to be formed, connect the district with other grant and fundraising opportunities and connect with donors who have done similar projects. Harris said board members Theresa Seipel and Mike Goos will now be invited to attend the meetings as the district moves forward.
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I.Q. Superintendent's Report
Discussion:
Dr. Loeffelholz thanked the board for attending graduation yesterday. He said it was a good ceremony. The Legislative session will end early. Dr. Loeffelholz said there are still several bills that could impact education. He said one of these is LB147, which allows teachers to restrain students. This bill did not make it out of committee but a senator can request it to come out by a vote of the legislature. Dr. Loeffelholz said there are several issues with this bill including that all teachers will need to be trained on how to restrain a student. He said he is hoping it does not pass. Sherwood Foundation representatives did a tour of the high school STEM area to see where their matching funds went. If the library project can be completed, CPS would get an additional $50,000 bonus. Dr. Loeffelholz said the foundation representatives were very impressed with the STEM area. He said the planning meeting for the new library was held and the group seems more willing to listen this time. Dr. Loeffelholz said there was not a large turnout for the meeting but there was some good input. The Columbus Economic Council still has the high school at the top of the list for funding. He said he and CPS Marketing Director Nicole Anderson held a meeting with 40 businesses to see where STEM education was going next. Areas that were identified as needs include: business and marketing management, early childhood and health care. The principals all did their continuous improvement presentation report to the administration and will give it to the board at the retreat. Dr. Loeffelholz said he is recommending the board only have one meeting in June and July. He suggested the second Monday in July for retreat or in early August. Dr. Loeffelholz said he will talk with Candy Becher to come up with some dates. He reminded the board they must do the superintendent evaluation next month. He said the board will be sent a survey to fill out electronically with all the information going to the board president. The evaluation must be done by the next board meeting. Dr. Loeffelholz will send the survey out by the end of the week with a deadline of June 5.
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I.R. Board Sharing
Discussion:
Theresa Seipel said she enjoyed graduation. She also said she hopes all the staff knows how much the board appreciates all they do, and they enjoy the summer break. Seipel said she hopes Steve Woodside and Jackie Herink enjoys their retirement. Doug Willoughby thanked Woodside and Herink for their years of service and encouraged them to consider subbing for the district. Doug Molczyk thanked Woodside and Herink for their years of service and said they will be greatly missed. He appreciates all the staff and what they do. Molczyk said the CHS vocal music performance was outstanding, and he even watched the soccer game at the same time. He said the CMS Band concert was also good. He said it is great to see all the students and their achievements. Molczyk said this is his favorite board meeting of the year. Candy Becher said CHS student Jayden Boesch invited her to see his robotics presentation, which he wrote 10 pages of code. She said it was performed in front of the businesses, and they were very impressed with his work. Becher said it is exciting to see what CPS students are doing. She said the presentation was really good PR for the district. Becher thanked Woodside and Herink for their years of service and said their experience will be hard to replace. Mike Jeffryes also thanked Woodside and Herink for the service to the district and wished them luck in their retirement. He said it was a really cool experience to see his first child graduate from CPS.
He thanked the district, and administration for the job they did in helping her reach the goal. Jeffryes said he loves the small-town pride, and Columbus is a fantastic. He said it was exciting to see his daughter graduate from his alma mater. Jeffryes said it is amazing to see how far CPS has progressed in the last 25 years, and he is excited about CPS's future |
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II. Executive Session
Discussion:
The board did not go into executive session.
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III. Adjourn
Discussion:
The board adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
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