December 13, 2021 at 5:30 PM - Committee As A Whole

Paula Lawrence, West Park Elementary Principal, shared information regarding academics, activities and events in the building. They welcomed some new faces this school year, Carrie Jaixen, a new SPED teacher, Macy Lenihan, kindergarten teacher, and Sarah Papa, social worker. Mrs. Lawrence said all wonderful additions to West Park staff. 

Mrs. Lawrence shared how they are utilizing the High Reliability Schools Model, starting with the foundational levels. West Park like the other elementary schools use Expectation Stations.  Staff has created the expectations for students, so everyone is hearing the same thing. In classrooms there is a review of each expectation, if a student is struggling the teacher will review. Golden Tickets can be earned by demonstrating safety, respect and responsibility.  Students are then entered into a weekly drawing for prizes.  Staff ensure students know the reason the ticket was awarded. Monthly assemblies are also utilized at West Park, including naming Students of the Month. The student receives a certificate with their accomplishment listed. During the assemblies, CHS and CMS student groups and/or staff are invited to share their experiences from those buildings.  Recently, some cast members from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, performed at CMS, came and shared their experience in participating in the play. 

For HRS Foundation Level 1: Safe, Supportive, Collaborative Culture, Mrs. Lawrence stated that West Park uses BIST and shared how they are implementing class meetings to address difficulties a class may be experiencing. She also talked about how students are chosen to be part of the Student Council and the events and fundraising they provide. The West Park PTO is very supportive of teachers and students by providing activities for families and students. They also plan fundraisers, the end of the year picnic, and they hosted Family STEM Night in November. Mrs. Lawrence shared information about the sensory hallway that staff is creating to help students refocus and get back into the classroom. 

For HRS Foundation Level 2: Effective teaching in every classroom. Mrs. Lawrence said they ask four questions of PLC’s. What do we want students to learn? How do we know students have learned it? What do we do when students don’t learn it? What do we do when students learned it/already know it? Teachers at West Park are utilizing Data Into Action. This includes the teacher's gathering and reviewing data, identifying gaps, planning for and evaluating actions. Teams meet on Wednesdays, Brandi Fleming is part of West Park’s PLC’s as a support coach. 

For HRS Foundational Level 3: Guaranteed and Viable Teaching. Staff is becoming more comfortable with proficiency scales and tracking progress. Goals and tracking look different in each classroom.

Dr. Loeffelholz said this policy didn’t get to the policy committee prior to being added to the meeting agenda. He also shared information regarding the administrative team attending Title IX training with Karen Haase and Bobby Truhe. He did remind the group this policy is not just regarding sports. Dr. Loeffelholz talked about the need for someone to be named coordinator and that the superintendent should not be the coordinator, if there is some type of appeal filed the superintendent needs to be able to make a recommendation. Any personnel issues will be handled by the Human Resources Director. Student complaints will be handled by the CHS Athletic Director.  Part of the training included receiving their policy including regulations and exhibits. 

These approval forms have been changed because of traveling in the pandemic.  Dates and destination changes are notes on each form where applicable. 

Troy Loeffelholz, Superintendent, presented a letter of intent to extend his contract. He said the board can choose to vote on keeping a 3-year contract in place. They can also can choose when to vote on accepting this letter in December or January.  Clarification was made regarding intent to return for next year, and that the contract is for the full 3 years out. 

Chip Kay, Director of Finance and Human Resources, said all financial balances are in line with last year, which is a good thing. He has not made the transfer from general fund to the activity fund.  He said is recommending extra funds be placed into depreciation, to be saved for another project down the road. A payment was made from the Bond Fund. There will be some payments that will go out for the Kramer Building. 
No unusual payments have gone out, Associated Staffing was paid for hiring of staff. 

Dave Hiebner, CHS Principal, said 54 students are on the list for midterm graduation, that number does not include the 5th year seniors. That number is about where we thought it would be based on the size of the class.  Many of these students have opportunities, students who need to get the workforce faster. These kids will be able to complete everything needed. Class size is 349 students, this is the largest class we have had. 

The report shows things have opened up, a group to Synergy to learn more about the program. NSCA-School Counselors Academy, coaches clinic, travel for fund proposal meetings, and coaches travel to state finals.

Dr. Loeffelholz said the report shows November contributions $27,062.97 and $131,447.36 to date for the year.

Mr. Kay said all the fundraising applications fall within school policy. The Waffleman is next Monday. 

Math books from CHS are on the surplus list. 

Amy Romshek, Director of Curriculum, talked about the K-4 Social Studies approval. There was a committee meeting to discuss the new curriculum.  Once approved, teachers will take the information to write the proficiency scales.  Also, a 4th grade text was chosen for Nebraska history.  K-3 teachers chose TCI and the 4th grade teachers chose a more specific text for teaching Nebraska history.  After approval, the Nebraska history text will be purchased immediately because the text they are using now are very outdated. Dr. Romshek shared costs for all resources. Board Member, Mike Jeffryes, said the teachers unanimously chose this book, they piloted the materials K-4. The Nebraska text is very good. 

Dr. Romshek said that the Health Science Course approved last month is almost finished.  

Jason Harris, Director of Student Services and Special Education, shared information on Nebraska Department of Education requesting a fiscal review for Title I, II and IDEA. The review came back and there was some clean up on time and effort reported from the After-School Program. They asked for documentation on the procedure for CPS claims. Mr. Harris said CPS claims staff and very little in supplies.  Title III is used more for supplies. 

Dr. Loeffelholz talked about the second night of community conversations on facilities.  On December 15, a Facebook Live event is planned, there will be a place to ask questions.  He said another event will be planned in January if there are a lot of questions or comments. Marketing will start sharing information on the FB Live event. 

Dr. Loeffelholz shared information regarding the funding plan and the upcoming presentations. He also said the Healthcare Pathways Program is moving along.  Mr. Hiebner, CHS Principal, said it is taking shape with the classroom and staff.  He said he really appreciates all the time and effort of Jason Schapmann, CHS Assistant Principal. Mr. Schapmann said there is a lot going on behind the scenes with Dr. Romshek and Kelsey Neumann who will be co-teaching with the Registered Nurse to work on curriculum. Lakeview is taking part in the program, Scotus is not ready.  He also said that the community collaboration is really coming together, it has been great working with Dr. Plas, Lakeview Superintendent. He also mentioned looking at the three high schools schedules, we may need to hire a part-time RN, once all three schools are participating. It is very exciting.