January 18, 2021 at 5:30 PM - Regular Meeting

Troy Loeffelholz, Superintendent said CPS uses Facebook and Twitter regularly, administration and school groups often use Remind, many students follow Instagram, so that has been used more recently.  Dr. Loeffelholz shared that these platforms get information out in a hurry.

Dr. Loeffelholz noted not many changes were made, there was a date in January 2022, this change did not affect the date of the last day of school.  The change needed to be made to decrease one day for the teachers. The calendar has 170 student contact days and 188 teacher contract days. 
The draft for 2022-23 is very similar, this version has students and staff out on May 23, 2023, before Memorial Day. This draft will be sent to the Calendar Committee for approval.

Dr. Loeffelholz shared the maximum number of students that were changed for each grade level. Preschool numbers are not included because option enrollment is for school aged students only.  

Dr. Loeffelholz said the district needs to continue with this training to expand on remaining domains. This training is necessary for consistency of evaluations for teachers. 

Chip Kay, Director of Finance gave a brief explanation of expenditures, Midwest 3D Solutions was paid for items purchased from the ReVision Grant that are being used by the STEM Program. There are a few parents that were paid refunds for some mid-term graduates. CTL Corporation was paid for mobile kiosks to be used by CPS parents to access our digital platforms such as ParentVue and Wordware.

Mr. Kay said it is by policy that the board needs to approve the program for it to be available to qualifying certified staff for the following year. 

Mr. Kay explained the Leave of Absence for certified staff. Caitlin Vering is requesting a leave of absence for family reasons. Dr. Loeffelholz said in the past teachers have taken up to 2 years.  Year one, they are guaranteed a return to their previous position, year two, they are guaranteed a position that they are qualified for in the district. This leave is unpaid.  Certified staff can request a leave of absence up to three times. 

Mr. Kay said these are annual fundraisers for Emerson and Lost Creek. He said all COVID protocols are in place for fundraisers. 

Dr. Loeffelholz recognized the Board for School Board Appreciation. Each member received a visit from him with a thank you for all they do for CPS.

He also shared that there are 12 to 15 legislative bills on school funding and bills associated with private and parochial school tax vouchers.  He spoke about Senator Groene’s letter that was printed in the North Platte newspaper.  Dr. Loeffelholz said new board member Mark Brown is going to do fine, and all our board members are doing what is right for the students and staff at CPS.

Mark Brown said he really appreciates the kind words and welcome.  He is looking forward to getting to know the board better each month and the challenges to come. He also talked about getting to know the new head basketball coach, Jordan Hitchcock, he’s very excited about his vision for that program. All welcomed Mark to the CPS Board of Education. The board is very appreciative of the past and present leadership. Candy Becher, past president said she feels this board really focuses on what is best for the students, and the future is bright. Also discussed the CHS play and the CMS musical being performed soon.