June 19, 2023 at 5:30 PM - Regular Meeting

Teresa Hausmann, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, along with building principals from Emerson, Centennial, North Park, and the Middle School presented information on the plans that have been created for the one school with a state classification, and 3 schools with federal designations.

Paula Lawrence, West Park Elementary Principal, shared the Elementary Student Handbook for 2023-2024. Noted changes are wording in the attendance policy. They added scooters to the bike rules. The wording was changed to dress code expectations. Free and Reduced Meal Application information was added for clarification. The Technology Fee of $15.00 was added this year for accidental damage to student iPad, charger or cord. This does not cover lost or stolen devices, cords or chargers. 

Lakeview has requested a co-op for swimming. They have followed the procedure by going through their Board of Education and speaking with Mr. Hiebner, CHS Principal and Mr. Kwapnioski, the Activities Director. Troy Loeffelholz, Superintendent added that the family that has requested this has two children that will participate. There was discussion about our swim team numbers being lower than in past years, Mr. Hiebner said it really ebbs and flows for a sport like swimming.

Chip Kay, Director of Finance and Human Relations updated the board on the financial reports. He noted the General Fund is 3 million behind because of the shortfall in revenue. He is still trying to obtain the ESSER money. The district should receive some revenue in August. Dr. Kay commented that he is very pleased with the Nutrition Fund and the partnership with LSI. Dr.Kay said that a bond payment was made recently.  He also noted that there was some fraudulent activity at Bank of the Valley, the CPS account will be closed. Charges have been filed. He said the district did not lose any money. Dr. Kay said the last state aid check will be coming. The M3 Report is showing payments for mileage, instructional materials and a payment to Platte County for the bond election costs. 

The M5 Report reflects payments for operational bills also to Presence Learning for the online SLP services.

Dr. Kay updated the board on the certified staff hires, including a long-term sub contract with Mike Goos, the new Dean of Students, Sarah Bird, and two new teachers from the Philippines. Mrs. Haynes, CMS Principal, said they are well trained and very excited to be coming to Columbus. 

Dr. Loeffelholz said the report reflects end of the year events, the NexGen group shadowing in other districts, state athletics and summer regional meetings. 

The Foundation Report information is $49,674,36 for May and $200,210.20 for the year.  Dr. Loeffelholz shared that the daycare received a DHHS grant for $460,000.00, this takes a lot of pressure off the Foundation. Employees are being hired for the childcare center. 

Mrs. Hausmann shared information on the 6-8 grade novels, including the cost proposal. She said 6th grade is still deciding on a novel, a bit more time is needed. Some titles that were chosen are already being used. All novels will be put out for review until the next meeting.

Mrs. Hausmann updated on curriculum work being done and the teachers signed up for curriculum work this summer. 

Dr. Kay said he has a new protocol for fundraising applications to keep requests timely and to verify policy is being met. 

Dr. Kay uses the NDE tool to calculate meal prices and they must be approved. Breakfasts and lunches are going up by five and ten cents. CPS is at the low end of the meal prices in the state.

Dr. Kay said he is recommending $175.00 per day for subs. CPS tries to stay $10.00 ahead of Lakeview and Schuyler, the goal is to retain our sub pool.  He also defined what a contracted sub is; as a last resort when we can’t find someone to hire. We contract with a sub, they are provided all benefits as they are doing all the same duties as a teacher.

Dr. Kay shared information on nutrition services uncollectible accounts in the district. He said this seems to be a universal problem, we will need to address this before school starts. Dr. Kay said it may be a good topic for the retreat.

The Summer Food Program is going well, it is costing a little more for 3 sites, but the space is needed. Dr. Kay said there is some negative feedback that there is not a site on the south side of town. 

Dr Loeffelholz said a strategic plan needs to be created, the group will need to take a comprehensive 360 look at the district, we will engage the community, parents, etc. A survey was drafted today. It will be sent out with a prepaid return envelope. He shared information regarding the new teacher orientation/training scheduled for July. Dr. Loeffelholz said the report has been received from Cognia, and this information will be a large part of creating the strategic plan. 

The Board shared their enthusiasm for looking to the future with the opening of the Kramer Education Center. Good wishes for everyone to enjoy the summer. All looking forward to the retreat on August 14, 2023. Dr. Loeffelholz invited them to tour Kramer on Thursday at 4:00.