December 16, 2019 at 5:30 PM - Regular Meeting

Candy Becher, Board President asked about why the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce did not want retain the grant writer.

Dave Melick, Executive Director of Business Operations and Human Resources spoke about the liability questions. We have $1 mil in general liability and $5 mil umbrella for a total of $6 mil, so that would cover. Background checks of all contractors is recommended by Alicap and Shelby agrees to those terms. CPS will be responsible for the cost on that because these people will be working with our students. Shelby Lumber has been easy to work with and they have some experience because of their work with the Schuyler program. 

Dr. Loeffelholz asked everyone if they had read his letter of intent to stay. This is for 2 years, you may vote on both or you can do one at a time, he wanted to clarify that the board could vote on the years separately, they do have that option. Board said they were happy to receive it and would vote on it as is. 

Mr. Melick mentioned a few of the expenditures listed on Financial Report M5 for November. Gaggle.net is a program we use for information that is being shared in communications, this is well worth the money. CPS has gained some information for police to handle some dangerous and illegal situations. Marzano, professional development over the course of the year and into the future. Payment to the University of Notre Dame, this is flow through money Jeff Ohnoutka, Director of Scotus Central Catholic, used title funds to go to a conference. Parochial schools in our district are entitled to some of that money, it is a small percentage, the percentage is based on the free and reduced program.  Advanced Water Company was paid for heating and cooling system throughout district. CDW Government paid for purchases from 13 for various buildings. Norfolk Transmission and Repair paid for Bus 311 that had transmission and other repairs. Financial Literacy was paid for Curriculum last month. 

Questions regarding approval for paras for two new classrooms, Mr. Melick said that would be a decision by building principals and building budgets would need to be used.  CPS is already dipping into depreciation for the new teachers. Mr. Luebbe said Centennial had already added a para, he will reassign paras to accommodate the new section of first graders. 

Mr. Melick provided information regarding the meeting that had recently taken place regarding this policy.  Eight of the 24 eligible attended the meeting, and they talked through the policy and the February 6th application deadline.  

Andy Luebbe, Centennial Elementary Principal shared information regarding the additional First Grade teacher, Olivia Michael. She just graduated, she did her student teaching in Elkhorn. Recommendations are fantastic.  She was visiting with students today. 

Mr. Melick made the recommendation to table until final quote is received or to change the motion to not to exceed a certain amount. The motion was amended to not exceed $125,000.00.

Leonard Kwapnioski updated the board regarding the maintenance truck being ordered, Steffy Auto Sales matched the state bid. It will take 9-15 weeks for delivery.

Power School bill increased. Synergy will cost much less. Kearney Public Schools is jumping on board and will be using Synergy as well. 

Dr. Amy Romshek, Executive Director of Curriculum and Staff Development, updated the board on using algebra tiles and what a great teaching tool this is for CPS teachers.  Teachers had several days of training. A video was shared of the math teachers using the math tiles and the progress they are making with students. Typically, the algebra tiles are used in secondary classrooms. This involves a lot less notes being taken, less talking of the teacher, and more hands on and having students solve problems in a variety of ways.

Dr. Loeffelholz said the Early Childhood Program continues to meet with the C4K group. The  upcoming meetings are on January 9th and 23rd. Looking at grant opportunities and funding sources.  He also mentioned the Waffle Man and the Art Show.

Mike Goos shared that the waffles were good, wished everyone happy holidays. Doug Willoughby told everyone Merry Christmas, mentioned there are three more socials if other board members are able to attend, he recommended attending. He attended CMS and Centennial, had fun being a part of it. The next three socials are at CHS, NP, Student Center, all this week. Mike Jeffryes also wished all a Merry Christmas, lighting of the anchor, and the CMS musical were great. The s’mores pizzas were really good at the Anchor Lighting Celebration, all pizzas were donated by Pizza Ranch--lots of people. Theresa Seipel added Merry Christmas to all, she hopes teachers/administrators have some down time, and time with family. Doug Molczyk said music concert was amazing, he said hats off to Mr. Ritter and the students. He is looking forward to granddaughter playing at the band concert tonight.  Candy Becher added, all of the above and Happy New Year.