June 13, 2022 at 5:30 PM - Regular Meeting

Jordon Anderson, Assistant Principal at CMS shared the changes that are being made to the student handbook for 2022-23. Updates always include the new school calendar, table of contents and Title IX changes. Discussion regarding students receiving the signature sheets for receipt of the Student Handbook from the registrar when registering after the beginning of the school year. The signature sheets are required in case they are needed at a later date. 

Language updated on smartwatches and cell phones being turned off and kept in a locker or backpack. Mr. Anderson said there was some clarification added in the section that gives information on sexual harassment, this information came from the training session provided to administrators. There is a change being made with our Google applications and technology that includes a single sign on with Classlink, this information has been added to the handbook. State statute and district policy regarding the addition of knives and lookalike weapons in the firearms' section of the handbook. There was some confusing language about absences and make-up work. Mr. Anderson said that was simplified and also added that the teachers work with families to allow students time to get make-up work done. Discussion on allowable practices for wearing or displaying student identification. The I.D. needs to be visible, this is mandatory, language in the handbook will clarify this for students. The illness protocol was included with "sickness" instead of "COVID" in the language.

School device insurance is included in the handbook, Mr. Anderson said there was some confusion on completing the form, and so they changed it for easier understanding. The current pricing is not available yet and will be added once they have the information or possibly a link to get this information.

Dr. Troy Loeffelholz talked about this policy, most information stayed the same, suspensions and disciplinary actions were changed. Language was added to make the discipline flexible depending on the offense.  "Up to" 19 days was added and Boys and Girls Home and CPS Alternative School were removed as reassignment options. 

Dr. Loeffelholz spoke on this updated policy from KSB Law. More information to identify homeless liaison. That person will identify a family in coordination with NDE, community groups and school personnel. Once the status is declared the liaison will ensure the family is receiving services.  

Dr. Loeffelholz received a request from Lakeview signed by Dr. Plas, the board and the Activities Director to look at a COOP for swimming. He said we had this happen 6 years ago, they only had one swimmer, we did not approve it. We have typically created a COOP with schools in our district boundaries.  Dr. Loeffelholz said the swimming program numbers are down, we used to have 60-70 swimmers, now we have about half that. He is not sure why numbers are down, possibly a fear of not having a pool to use in the future. He said there is no pressure from them, this is a request on behalf of one student. Mark Brown, Board Member said we must think about what benefits our students and program. Also, discussion to hear opinions from Dave Hiebner, CHS Principal and Alyssa Dillon, CHS Head Swim Coach. There is a charge to those students who come from another school to participate.

West Park Principal Paula Lawrence gave an update on the Elementary Handbook changes. She said only a few changes were made from last year. Liability waiver/Hold Harmless, date was changed. LMHP added to the list with Counselors, School Psychologists and School Social Workers. Some language was changed regarding parent volunteers for field trips. Mrs. Lawrence said the illness protocol was changed to say "sickness" instead of "COVID".  The change to proficiency reporting at the elementary level changed the label of report cards to progress reports in the handbook. Discussion on the drinks not permitted at school and what is allowed. Mrs. Lawrence said they added information on discipline for pulling fire alarms, falsely reporting bomb threats and inappropriate use of iPads was added. Along with the financial responsibility of lost/damaged iPad or accessories. Appropriate email use was addressed along with the disciplinary action for inappropriate use. 

Chip Kay, Director of Finance and Human Relations talked about the MOU with the CPS Foundation regarding the child development side of the Kramer Education Center. He said in establishing best practices for the lease. The MOU says the lease price is $3600.00 per year, paid every 6 months. It includes capping electricity costs. CPS is responsible for the shell of the facility, they will be responsible for their space, this works to the advantage of both parties. Creating the MOU gives them the opportunity to look for grants and funding. The Foundation attorney looked at the agreement.

Mr. Kay gave a brief summary of Financial Reports M2, M3, M4a. Most account balances are where expected. He said most concerned with the General Fund, as it is still behind. Not much movement in the Special Building Fund, he will start drawing funds out in July for the December lease purchase payment. Revenue detail is at 75%, typically we are behind at this time of year. He said we are behind in property tax and ahead in property tax credit. 

The M5 report shows payments for contracted services such as the City of Columbus Finance Department for permits/fees and an SRO payment. Curriculum costs from TCI. 

Mr. Kay said we are seeing more hiring and less resignations. Administrators  have  worked really hard at getting teachers hired. Today we had a second teacher that accepted and signed the contract and has decided not to teach next year. Mr. Kay said a complaint will be filed because the contract was not fulfilled. CPS will follow state statute on this issue.

Mr. Kay also explained the language for long term sub-6-8 weeks and a contracted sub who will perform all duties of a teacher, and be given all the same rights as our teachers. Will contract semester by semester.  They are at a step 1 on the pay scale, this is a fair way to pay them. This practice may attract some other retired teachers. Mr. Kay also said kudos to Amy Haynes, CMS Principal and her staff for stepping up to take care of the math teacher need at CMS.

Mr. Kay said we typically lose some of our classified staff at this time. Hiring for classified staff will open up in July to hire for next school year.

Dr. Loeffelholz summarized the report, attendance at state baseball, state track, state golf, mental health conference and an EHA Wellness photoshoot.

The Foundation report is showing total contributions for the month as $27,536.38; for the year $161,978.35. The end of year activity with sports boosters and post-prom, a lot of money moving at this time of the year. 

Mr. Kay shared the meal prices for next year, the prices are based on a paid lunch equity tool, which will allow our prices to increase by 10 cents. 

The surplus list includes, paint,  easels, microscopes, goggles, magazine holders.  All will be discarded, very old items.

Updates from Mr. Kay included information on the budget shortfall, he shared cuts made outside of personnel. No cuts will be made in special education. All Rule 10 procedures must be met without cuts. 

Mr. Kay said 80-87% of the budget is for salaries. He is hearing positive information about property valuation.  It will help this year, but we lose it for next year. 

Dr. Loeffelholz shared that Leonard Kwapnioski, Director of Buildings/Sites and Technology, is on vacation, back on Wednesday. He said maintenance has started on summer work projects.  Sidewalks in front of the administration building is being redone.

Amy Romshek said she has been working with Eric Edzards on proficiency reporting so it is correct on reports. Dr. Loeffelholz said Dr. Romshek doesn’t have many work days left and this is her last board meeting. 

Jason Harris, Director of Student Services and Special Education is out on sick leave. He has suffered an extensive injury. Dr. Loeffelholz said Mr. Harris is working at home, now is the time to work on federal reimbursements. He attended a section 504 conference today.

Dr. Loeffelholz thanked the board for their confidence in him with renewal of his contract.  He talked about attending the Nebraska High School Theater Awards. CMS was recognized with three awards for their musical Moana Jr. He also talked about NASB dropping their membership from NSBA. 

The next board meeting will be on July 11 at the Ramada Inn, we will have a New Teacher Meet and Greet. Dinner will be at 5:00. 

There are a lot of vacations coming up at district office.

The Board is hoping everyone is having a good summer and enjoying their time away.

Doug Willoughby, Board Vice President, shared information regarding the new Central City event center/tornado shelter funded by FEMA. 

Doug Molczyk, Board President, said sitting on the board of education is very rewarding especially graduation, he will really miss shaking the graduates hands next year.