February 19, 2024 at 5:30 PM - Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Doug Willoughby read the Mission Statement.

Discussion: 

Teresa Hausmann, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, introduced two CHS Government teachers, Zach Wayman and Nathan Coan. They teach high school civics. They gave a brief summary of how the proficiency scales align to the curriculum. Mr. Wayman and Mr. Coan shared some information on lessons being taught and said it is so important to show both sides of a political story. Let them come up with their own opinions. They encourage students to look at participation in the community, attend board meetings in person or virtually. The teachers also talked about their classes' participation in Government Day in Platte County.

Mrs. Hausmann said the Americanism Committee Meeting will be planned for a later date. 

 

Discussion: 

Derrick Joel from Mac and Jake shared information from the stakeholder input meetings via ZOOM. He confirmed the hard copies were received by the board. He said the overall themes are in the packet from that day. He said that on March 4 they will bring their recommendations for candidates to be interviewed along with all candidate information. He said on the interview days, the Meet and Greet groups will have 45 minutes to an hour each. Those groups will then have a feedback form to share with the Board of Education. The Board will have 1.5 hours to interview, and the ultimate decision will come from them.  Interview dates are scheduled for March 19, 20 and 21. Dr. Joel also answered questions from the Board. 

Discussion: 

Amy Haynes, Columbus Middle School Principal, gave a brief explanation of the changes that were made in the course description book for 2024-2025. She said they were changing the schedule. They are adding exploratory classes. Grades 5-8 will be able to take two of these courses. There was a change in the curriculum in the Digital Media class that is offered at CMS. WIN time is moving to the middle of the day. The WIN time change will change the Yearbook Class that is offered. CMS will be offering an art class. Most students will take this class in 5th grade, but some will have the class in 6th grade. All classes will be on the same bell schedule.

Discussion: 

The CPS Foundation Board members were presented to the Board of Education. Troy Loeffelholz, Superintendent, said they are an arm of the board of education and help support CPS. The board approves this list for the Foundation each year. 

Discussion: 

Dr. Loeffelholz said that the Discoverers of Distinction Academic Hall of Fame is set up as you walk into CHS. He also said that because this is displayed in a CPS school building, it must be approved by the CPS Board of Education.  The nomination criteria are also included in the document. 

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz shared the 2024-2025 Calendar. He said he shared three different options, the one chosen is similar to last year.  He noted that preschool had been added. Make-up dates for possible snow days are listed on the calendar.

Discussion:  There were no items removed from the Consent Agenda.

Discussion: 

Chip Kay, Director of Finance and Human Resources, shared information on the financial reports. He said the cash balances are in pretty good shape, about where they should be.  He is waiting for some ESSER funds, depending on when they come in, the district may need to take a short pause on spending in March. Dr. Kay talked about the M3 financial report. He said CPS is at 41% in revenue, we should be at 50%.  Property tax was lower than normal in January. There should be an IDEA deposit made this week. Dr. Kay shared expenditure information from the M4 and M5 financial reports.

Discussion: 

Dr. Kay gave a report on the certified staff that are leaving the district. He said there are 22 resignations at this time. Ten of those are retirements, several are leaving to take promotions, five are leaving education, one is getting married, one is leaving to teach in their hometown. 

Discussion: 

There was less travel because of snow days. 

 

Discussion: 

Dr. Loeffelholz said January has been slower. Post-Prom is gearing up, Kramer Child Development Center payments and Centennial Elementary had some expenditure for their Leap Year Event. Total contributions for January $33,300.03.

Discussion: 

Mrs. Hausmann reported on the ELA curriculum. She said she met with every teacher about Waggle. She said they are closing instructional gaps. Writeable needs more feedback, they have noticed one deficit for high-achieving students.  The teachers worked together to give more feedback. Mrs. Hausmann said CMS is hosting a DI Tournament on Saturday.

Support contacts for the month were 190.

Discussion: 

Dr. Kay talked about Policy 706.01 Purchasing Procedure, this update will move the policy to match state statute. All three 706 policies will work together. He said in full transparency the policy will reflect what we are doing.

Discussion: 

Dr. Kay said these would have been approved on time if there had been a quorum for last week’s meeting. The Band Boosters were not given the approval timeline, but now they know the policy. The other applications submitted are well in advance and within policy criteria. 

Discussion: 

Dr. Kay presented the list of teachers that are seeking early retirement. There are 8 people, he said, in years of service, it is over 250 years walking out the door. He shared information about Ron Haefner, regarding a student teacher he had found to hire for his class once he graduates. He may need to rescind his application depending on the timing. 

Discussion: 

Leonard Kwapnioski, Director of Buildings/Sites and Technology, shared more information on his search for a maintenance truck. He has done research on the cost and time to get the vehicle. This is a one ton truck, better for pushing snow. He also said the cost was broken down on the bid that he submitted for approval. 

Discussion: 

Mr. Kwapnioski gave an update on the CASSETTE House Project. Board Tour to be planned for April. 

Discussion: 

Jason Harris, Director of Student Services and Special Education, updated the Board on what his staff had been doing. SPED Department has been updating the IDEA application for reimbursement. The Corrective Action Plan did not match the policies and procedures of KBS Law. SPED staffing need to rank students to apply a ranking to the teacher caseload. This ranking will then help to meet staffing needs. Mr. Harris said the Sixpence Budget was due. He also headed up a para-educator training to certify CPS paras. He has been working on an expansion grant for the preschool to add another classroom. The Crisis Team was activated, so he has been working with that group.

Discussion: 

Dr. Loeffelholz thanked the board for all the work they do for the district. He shared information on LB243 along with a document and suggested everyone get in touch with Senators to share the information.

Discussion: 

Dr. Loeffelholz asked the Board "What are next steps?" If the bond is on the May ballot, a resolution will be needed by March 1st. He reminded the board that the community feels $53 million is too much. Could the projects be broken down for a better solution to pass a bond? He also suggested some safety and security be attached to the bond vote. There is a new statute regarding time in between failed bond elections. He said some research would be done, and he would communicate that and set up a meeting possibly next week.

Discussion: 

In Board Sharing, board members commented on listening sessions at the buildings, and said that those meetings are appreciated. Congratulations to the Diamond Dancers, bowlers, and wrestlers. The Parent-Teacher conference went well. Board elections are coming up. 

 

Discussion:  The Board did not go into Executive Session.

Discussion:  Adjourned at 7:32pm.